December 6, 2019
TEEN KILLED IN EARLY FRIDAY MORNING ACCIDENT
A Hallsville teen was killed in an accident that occurred just before 2am Friday in Boone County. The patrol says that 17 year old Hayden Holt was on Providence Road when his car traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a utility pole and overturned. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
DRIVER INJURED IN JEFFERSON COUNTY WRECK
A Fort Leonard Wood driver was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Thursday morning in Jefferson County. 18 year old Sergio Carillo was on Hillsboro House Springs Road when he failed to negotiate a curve, he overcorrected, causing his car to run off the left side of the road and strike a tree. He was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment of moderate injuries.
MISSOURI BROADBAND GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION PERIOD NOW OPEN
On Thursday the Department of Economic Development announced the start of the broadband grant program’s application period, which will allow submissions through January 7, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. CST.
Projects will be prioritized that bring access to unserved areas of the state. Additional criteria include meeting or exceeding the state’s minimum definition of high-speed internet, the applicant’s share of total project costs, economic and community benefit, and adoption strategies. Applicants will be posted on the Broadband Grant webpage and the challenge process will begin on January 10.
The goal of the broadband grant program is to bring high speed internet to Missourians across the state and was created by the Missouri General Assembly in 2018 and funded during the 2019 legislative session. The grant program matches up to 50 percent of the construction costs to expand broadband to unserved and underserved areas of the state.
December 5, 2019
SEARCH FOR MISSING COLUMBIA WOMAN CONTINUES WEDNESDAY
The search for a missing Chinese woman in a river in central Missouri has been called off until Wednesday.
Divers searched throughout the day Tuesday for Mengqi Ji Elledge, of Columbia, in the Lamine River in Cooper County. Divers also searched the river last week but didn't find Elledge, who has been missing since Oct. 8.
The Columbia Missourian reports after the search was called off Tuesday that police spokesman Jeff Pitts declined to say if any progress was made. Police have not said what evidence prompted them to search the river.
Police have identified her husband, Joseph Elledge, as a suspect but he isn't charged in her disappearance. He is jailed on $500,000 bond on charges of child endangerment and abuse. The couple has a 1-year-old daughter.
CHANGES TO TROOP F DRIVER EXAMINATION STATION TESTING SCHEDULES
Captain Corey J. Schoeneberg, commanding officer of Troop F, Jefferson City, announces a change to the testing schedule for the California, Versailles, Linn, and Mexico driver examination stations. The respective changes are as follows:
California Driver Examination Station
Effective December 6, 2019, the testing hours will change to the following:
Written Testing: 9 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. & 1 p.m. to 4:05 p.m.
Driving Skills Testing: 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. & 1 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Motorcycle Skills Testing: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Closed for lunch: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Versailles and Linn Driver Examination Stations
Effective January 1, 2020, testing dates will change to the following;
Linn DE Station ― First and third Tuesday of each month
Versailles DE Station ― Second and fourth Tuesday of each month
(No changes to testing times.)
Mexico Driver Examination Station
Friday, December 6, and Friday, December 13, the testing times will be as follows;
Written Testing: 9:30 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. & 1 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.
Driving Skills Testing: 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. & 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Motorcycle Skills Testing: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Closed for lunch: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
(This change is temporary; we return to normal operating hours on Friday, December 20.)
MDC REPORTS NOVEMBER FIREARMS DEER HARVEST ENDS WITH 178.936
Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 178,936 deer during the November portion of fall firearms deer season, Nov. 16- 26. Of the 178,936 deer harvested, 91,420 were antlered bucks, 17,237 were button bucks, and 70,279 were does.
Top harvest counties were Franklin with 4,008 deer checked, Texas with 3,734, and Callaway with 3,369.
Last year hunters checked 200,738 deer during the 2018 November portion of firearms deer season with 103,582 being antlered bucks, 20,040 being button bucks, and 77,116 being does.
For current ongoing preliminary harvest totals by season, county, and type of deer, visit the MDC website at extra.mdc.mo.gov/widgets/harvest_table/
MDC reported six firearms-related hunting incidents during the November portion of the firearms deer season with four being self-inflicted, one non-fatal incident involving a shooter and victim, and one fatal incident involving a shooter and victim.
December 4, 2019
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE NEEDED TO IDENTIFY SUSPECT OF COLUMBIA DISTURBANCE
Columbia Police is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect of a disturbance with a weapon at We B Smokin, 2716 Paris Road, on Dec. 2, at approximately 1:00 p.m. The suspect entered the store yelling at the employee while damaging a countertop coin-operated machine with a large hammer. The suspect left the business and was last seen running southbound with an undisclosed amount of money. There were no injuries reported during the incident.
The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 5 foot 10 inches to 6 foot tall with a slender build. At the time of the incident, the suspect was wearing blue jeans, a dark jacket, a blue ball hat, a dark face mask, and gray gloves. There is no further information to provide as this is still an active investigation.
Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
PATROL TO PARTICIPATE IN PROJECT BLUE LIGHT
Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces the Missouri State Highway Patrol will again join members of Concerns of Police Survivors in paying tribute to fallen officers and showing support for law enforcement by participating in Project Blue Light.
Thirty-one members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol have given their lives in fulfillment of the Patrol’s mission of providing service and protection to Missouri’s citizens. In honor of those 31 troopers and the more than 600 other law enforcement officers in Missouri who have made the ultimate sacrifice while performing their duties, all troops and division offices will display blue lights during the 2019 holiday season. The display period will be from Monday, December 2, 2019, through Thursday, January 2, 2020.
“It’s important to honor those law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, and those who continue to serve," said Colonel Olson. “Project Blue Light is a way we can show our gratitude for past and present officers from all agencies across Missouri.”
December 3, 2019
HIGHWAY PATROL RELEASES PRELIMINARY THANKSGIVING TRAFFIC INFORMATION
The Missouri State Highway Patrol has released preliminary Thanksgiving Holiday traffic statistics for 2019.
The Patrol reports nine people died in traffic crashes during this year’s holiday counting period, from 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 27, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, December 1.
The Highway Patrol investigated the following:
Crashes: 404
Injuries: 166
Fatalities: 7
DWI: 94
Drug Arrests: 63
During the 2018 Thanksgiving holiday counting period, troopers investigated 543 traffic crashes, which included 11 fatalities and 140 injuries. Statewide, 13 people died and 498 people were injured in 1,640 traffic crashes over last year’s Thanksgiving holiday. Troopers arrested 86 people for driving while intoxicated and made 67 drug arrests during the 2018 Thanksgiving holiday counting period.
Of the seven traffic crash fatalities troopers investigated, five fatalities occurred in the Troop C, St. Louis area, one fatality occurred in the Troop B, Macon, Mo., area, and one fatality occurred in the Troop D, Springfield, Mo., area.
One person died in a traffic crash on November 28, 2019.
Michael J. Scarborough, 54, of Catawissa, Mo., died when the vehicle he was driving began to spin on wet pavement as it traveled up an incline. The vehicle spun clockwise and traveled off the right side of the road and went down an embankment before striking a tree. The crash occurred on Missouri Highway 21 north of Castle Ranch Road in Jefferson County. Valley Ambulance EMS personnel pronounced Scarborough dead at the scene. Scarborough was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
Three people died in traffic crashes on November 29, 2019.
Robyn P. Schupp, 54, of Marthasville, Mo., and Barb A. Boeshansz, 63, of Obetz, Ohio, died when their vehicle skidded across the center line and impacted a second vehicle. Schupp was driving too fast for conditions. The crash occurred on Missouri Route D at Lake 27 on the August A. Busch Wildlife Conservation Area in St. Charles County. The second vehicle came to rest in a ditch; that driver sustained serious injuries in the crash. Dr. Brian Ullery pronounced Schupp deceased at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Dr. J. Mahlick pronounced Boeshansz deceased at Progress West Hospital in O’Fallon, MO. All three people were wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.
Paul D. Scaglione, 88, of Dittmer, Mo., died when another vehicle traveled across the center line and struck the vehicle he was driving. The crash occurred on Missouri Route B north of Janssen's Lake Drive in Jefferson County. A passenger in Scaglione's vehicle sustained serious injuries. The driver of the vehicle that struck the Scaglione vehicle sustained serious injuries. Big River Ambulance personnel pronounced Scaglione deceased at the scene. Scaglione and his passenger were wearing their seat belts. The driver of the other vehicle was not wearing a seat belt.
Three drownings occurred on November 30, 2019.
Two juvenile males died when the vehicle in which they were passengers traveled into a flooded crossing. The vehicle was swept away with all occupants entering the water. The driver sustained moderate injuries; a third juvenile occupant sustained serious injuries. The third juvenile passenger was in a child restraint. It is unknown if the two fatalities and the driver were using safety devices. The incident occurred on County Road 356 southeast of Patton, Mo., at Little White Water Creek Crossing in Bollinger County. Bollinger County Coroner Charles Hutchings pronounced both juvenile males deceased at the scene.
Todd P. Dean, 48, of Mandeville, La., died when he drove his vehicle into a flooded crossing and the vehicle was swept downstream. The incident occurred on County Road 234 one mile from Sedgewickville, Mo., in Bollinger County. Bollinger County Coroner Charles Hutchings pronounced Dean deceased at the scene. Dean was wearing a seat belt.
There were no boating crashes, zero boating fatalities, and no boating while intoxicated arrests reported during the 2019 Thanksgiving holiday counting period.
December 2, 2019
BRIDGE WORK PLANNED FOR MONTGOMERY COUNTY ROUTE E AT BEAR CREEK
Weather permitting, Dec. 2-5 and Dec. 9-12, MoDOT will have traffic reduced to one lane on Montgomery County Route E from 0.25 mile north to 0.25 mile south of Bear Creek Bridge, located north of Montgomery Route JJ, for bridge work. The work will be completed between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. each day. There will be a 10 ft. width restriction in place. Again, this work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled or delayed.
STRONG WINDS CAUSE DAMAGE IN MEXICO
Extremely strong winds moved through the Mexico area during the early morning hours of Wednesday, 11/27/19. MPSD responded to or located numerous incidents of items in the roadway such as branches, trash cans, or outdoor household items. The globe of a street light and a street sign had become detached and were located in the roadway around the City Square. Most items located were removed from the roadway by officers. A power line was pulled from a pole in the 400 block of S Clark and was hanging low. Ameren was called to address the issue. Another line was damaged from a fallen limb, causing a short power outage in the south part of Mexico. Ameren responded to resolve that issue as well. As of this time there are no confirmed reports of damaged personal property and there have been no injuries from the event.
FIRE REPORT IN MEXICO
On Wednesday, November 27 at approximately 12:44 AM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1200 block of N Clark in reference to a fire. Responding personnel learned that a caretaker of a property in that block had been burning leaves and yard waste earlier and thought the fire was extinguished. As winds increased, the fire rekindled and began blowing across the property. The fire was contained and extinguished with no other property being damaged. There were no injuries from the incident.
November 27, 2019
MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS
On Monday at approximately 7:51 PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1800 block of Country Place Ct in reference to a possible fire in the wall of a bedroom. Responding personnel found that an electrical outlet failed, causing it to arc and melt, scorching some of the wall and insulation material around the outlet box. The outlet was removed from the wall and the electrical circuit for the outlet was shut down until an electrician could make further repairs. There was a lamp plugged into the outlet at the time. There were no injuries from the incident.
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES APPROVES MORE THAN $200,000 IN GRANTS FOR FIVE COMMUNITIES
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a total of $216,000 in Small Community Engineering Assistance Program grants to five communities to evaluate their wastewater systems. The grant offers funding to qualifying small communities to help cover engineering costs for evaluating wastewater system improvements.
Receiving grant funding are the cities of Mendon ($32,000), New Florence ($50,000), Rockaway Beach ($40,000), Seneca ($44,000) and Wheaton ($50,000). Each city will use the grants to identify improvements needed to reduce inflow and infiltration of stormwater into sewer collection pipes. Engineering reports funded through the grant will be complete within the next two years.
The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for communities with water quality, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs.
MISSOURI HIGHWAY PATROL ANNOUNCES NEW AMBER ALERT SYSTEM
The Missouri State Highway Patrol has announced the Patrol has launched an upgraded Missouri AMBER Alert system that streamlines the process to get alerts to the public faster. The new system includes wireless emergency alerts, automated social media alerts, and a public website, www.moalerts.mo.gov, which provides the latest information on AMBER Alerts active in Missouri at any time.
The new Patrol alert system directly utilizes FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) to deliver AMBER Alert messages to cellular carriers, eliminating a step in the previous system, which first delivered alert messages to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for distribution.
Each AMBER Alert will include photos and descriptions of the missing child and suspect, if available. The new system’s automatic alert updates are designed to reduce the possibility that outdated information will continue to be shared on social media. This new system also will automatically update the Patrol's Facebook and GHQ Twitter accounts.
The Mo-Alerts website allows members of the media and public to subscribe to emailed AMBER Alerts. Subscribers receive immediate notification any time details contained within an active AMBER Alert are updated. Anyone interested may subscribe to Mo-Alerts by going to www.moalerts.mo.gov, selecting “Subscribe to Mo-Alerts” on the left side of the webpage, entering their email address, and clicking “Subscribe.” Subscribers will receive a verification email and must click on the link provided to complete the process.
November 26, 2019
MISSOURI KILLING SUSPECT ARRESTED IN ARIZONA
Authorities say a suspect in a Missouri killing has been arrested in Arizona more than 10 months after he was charged.
The Boone County, Missouri, Sheriff's Department said in a news release that 60-year-old Garland Wisley was taken into custody Saturday in San Luis, Arizona, as he was trying to make his way back from Mexico. He is awaiting extradition to Missouri, where he is charged with second degree murder and armed criminal action in the Jan. 13 death of 38-year-old John Albers. Charging documents say that witnesses reported Wisley and Albers were arguing over a handgun before the shooting.
Wisley has a long criminal record. At the time of the shooting, he was being sought on a failure to appear warrant for sentencing on drug possession and trespassing charges.
MINOR INJURIES IN HIGHWAY 54 BYPASS CRASH
On Friday, November 22 at approximately 12:14 PM the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the US Highway 54 bypass, approximately one mile north of the S. Clark exit, in reference to a crash. Responding personnel found that a 2015 Ford being driven by Charles G Rose, Jr. age 60 of Middletown, was proceeding eastbound, when the vehicle crossed the centerline. The Ford struck the rear tires of trailer being pulled westbound by a Peterbilt semi driven by Ethan Looney, age 26 of Arkansas. The Ford then continued into the westbound lane and struck a 2019 Dodge pickup-truck being driven westbound by Diamond A Zaferis, age 62, of Arizona. The Ford had two children inside and the Dodge had three other occupants. There were only minor injuries reported and no one was transported for medical attention. Traffic on the bypass was slowed to one lane until about 1:15 PM.
COLUMBIA TEEN INJURED AFTER BEING STRUCK ON BIKE
A Columbia teenager is injured after being struck by an SUV while on his bicycle Sunday morning. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 14 year old Columbia resident whose name will not be released was riding his bicycle at the intersection of Route VV and Mauller Road at 9:11 a.m. when he failed to yield to an oncoming vehicle. A vehicle driven by 54 year old Robert Livesay of Missoula, Montana struck the teenager in the intersection. The teen was taken by ambulance to University Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
November 25, 2019
COLUMBIA POLICE RESPOND TO TWO WEEKEND SHOTS FIRED REPORTS
Columbia Police officers responded to the 2500 block of Shepard Blvd. to a report of shots fired on Saturday at approximately 11:45 p.m.
Officers arrived and immediately began canvassing the area and located evidence of gunshots being fired. Later an 18-year-old male arrived at a local emergency room for treatment of a non-life threatening gunshot wound to an arm.
There is no suspect description or any further information to provide at this time, as this is an ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or Crimestoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
Columbia Police officers responded to the 1500 block of Riva Ridge Court to a report of shots fired on Thursday at approximately 9:20 p.m. Officers arrived and immediately began canvassing the area for evidence. Officers located shell casings along with damage to a residence in the 1500 block of Riva Ridge Road as a result of gunshots, but no injuries were reported. There is no suspect description or any further information to provide at this time, as this is an ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or Crimestoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
INVESTIGATORS IDENTIFY BODIES AS MISSING WISCONSIN BROTHERS
Investigators in Missouri have now positively identified human remains as those of two Wisconsin brothers who went missing after visiting a Missouri farm in July 2019.
The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office announced Friday afternoon that the remains of Nicholas Diemel were recovered on a farm outside Braymer, Missouri.
Justin Diemel's remains were recovered November 15, 2019, in a livestock trailer in Lincoln County, Nebraska.
A Nebraska rancher reported he found human remains inside the trailer he had bought in Missouri. The rancher told deputies he found the remains inside a plastic tub that was filled with dirt.
Sheriff Jerry Galloway said dental records confirmed both identifications.
The Missouri farmer accused of killing the two brothers from Wisconsin is Garland "Joey" Nelson, 25, of Braymer, Missouri.
Nelson is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of abandonment of a corpse, two counts of tampering with physical evidence, two counts of armed criminal action, tampering with a motor vehicle and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Investigators said Nelson fatally shot the Diemels on his farm outside Braymer in July. His neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots on the day the two were killed.
Nelson is being held without bond.
Weekend Report- November 23-24, 2019
ST. LOUIS MAN KILLED IN SATURDAY NIGHT ACCIDENT
A St. Louis man was killed in an accident that occurred at 11:55pm Saturday in St. Louis County. The patrol says that 34 year old Oney Hellems was lying in the roadway on Evergreen Boulevard when he was struck and killed by a car driven by 32 year old Kendra Jenkins of St. Louis. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
DRIVER HURT IN EARLY SATURDAY MORNING CRASH
A Fayette driver was hurt in an early Saturday morning crash in Howard County. 22 year old Sndrew Simmons was on Highway 240 when he attempted to avoid a deer, causing his car to travel off the right side of the road into a ditch. He refused medical treatment for minor injuries.
MAN INJURED IN ST. CHARLES COUNTY WRECK
A man was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Thursday night in St. Charles County. 38 year old Charles Kavin Jr. of Cottleville, MO was eastbound on I-64 and driving too fast for the wet road conditions when his car slid off the left side of the roadway and struck the median wall. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment of moderate injuries.
November 22, 2019
WORK CONTINUES ON REPLACEMENT OF LOUTRE RIVER BRIDGE ON I-70
Work continues on the replacement of the Loutre River Bridge on westbound Interstate 70. “The first stages of construction are now complete including rebuilding the right shoulder along with the first section of the new bridge which is now carrying traffic” said Missouri Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Rick Domzalski. “With this milestone reached, crews will now be able to work behind the temporary traffic barrier during daylight hours to demolish the old bridge and continue constructing the remainder of the new bridge” added Domzalski.
While two lanes of traffic will still be open throughout most of the project, the speed limit will remain reduced to 60 mph, and the lanes will be 10’9”, with narrowed shoulders throughout the remainder of the project.
He explained the extra bridge width built in the median to maintain two lanes of traffic during this project will be available for any future expansion of the interstate.
The project was awarded by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission to Phillips Hardy for $5.4 million and includes replacement of the westbound bridge. The work is expected to be fully completed by August 2020.
PEDESTRIAN INJURED IN ACCIDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
A pedestrian was injured after an accident on the campus of the University of Missouri Wednesday. According to the University’s Police Department, a pedestrian was taken to the hospital and a driver was ticketed after the crash occurred on University Avenue in Columbia on Wednesday night.
Columbia firefighters and MUPD responded to the 1100 block of University Avenue around 9 p.m. after a report of a motor vehicle accident. According to MUPD, the driver of the vehicle was given a ticket for failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
ESCAPED MISSOURI INMATE FOUND IN DELAWARE
An inmate who escaped from the same northern Missouri jail twice was captured more than 1,100 miles away.
The U.S. Marshals Service discovered Drake Kately, 27, on Tuesday in Delaware.
Kately was discovered living in a makeshift hut in the wilderness when he was detained.
Authorities say Kately escaped from the Mercer County Jail in Princeton in September 2019 after tearing a hole in the back wall of his cell with a wooden board that he somehow obtained.
The back wall of the cell was made of a heavy screen-like material. Authorities say the inmate bored a hole through that material with the board, allowing him to get into the basement of the jail and escape through the basement door.
He was being held there on multiple charges, including assault.
It was thought Kately fled to Kansas City, but investigators there learned that the fugitive was likely in Delaware.
The U.S. Marshals Service in the District of Delaware discovered Kately in a wooded area, hiding in a shack he had constructed out of leaves and a fallen tree. Kately's clothes were reportedly hanging from a tree branch.
Kately is in custody in Delaware while he waits to be transferred back to Missouri.
November 21, 2019
WOMAN’S BODY FOUND NEAR TROY, HUSBAND CHARGED.
The body found during a search near Troy, Missouri, has been positively identified as that of a St. Louis County woman who disappeared this month. St. Louis County police on Wednesday said the body of 28-year-old Jennifer Rothwell was found Monday night. Her husband, Beau Rothwell, is jailed without bond on charges of second-degree murder and evidence tampering.
Jennifer Rothwell was a chemical engineer who was reported missing Nov. 12. Her car was found abandoned near the couple's home.
A probable cause statement says Beau Rothwell was spotted Nov. 11 on video purchasing bleach, carpet cleaner and gloves. He was arrested Nov. 13 after a search of the home.
Police say Beau Rothwell provided information that helped lead authorities to his wife's body.
COLUMBIA WOMAN CHARGED WITH MANSLAUGHTER AFTER CRASH VICTIM DIES
A Columbia woman is facing manslaughter charges after the death of a man cleaning up after a bike race.
23 year old Regine McCracken of Columbia is charged with first-degree involuntary manslaughter in the death of Randall Siddens. Siddens died Monday from injuries he suffered in the May 5 crash, requiring extensive medical treatment.
McCracken was originally charged with assault and careless driving in July. Police say McCracken was using her cellphone for a video call at the time of the crash and was driving 68 mph in a 55 mph zone on Grindstone Avenue.
Investigators determined McCracken's vehicle hit a parked vehicle and two pedestrians. According to a probable cause statement one of the men was thrown nearly 130 feet.
Boone County assistant prosecutor Nicholas Komoroski filed a motion Monday to revoke McCracken's $50,000 bond. Police arrested McCracken when charges were first filed and she bonded out.
Komoroski's motion asked for a $50,000 cash-only bond and for a warrant to be issued for McCracken's arrest
November 20, 2019
NEBRASKA REMAINS COULD BE CONNECTED TO DEATH OF WISCONSIN BROTHERS
Nebraska authorities say human remains found in a stock trailer could be those of at least one of two Wisconsin brothers who prosecutors say were fatally shot by a Missouri farmer.
Lincoln County Sheriff Chief Deputy Roland Kramer said Monday that a rancher near Hershey, Nebraska, found the remains mixed with dirt in a plastic tub inside the trailer he recently purchased in Missouri.
Garland Nelson, a 25-year-old Missouri farmer, is accused of fatally shooting 35-year-old Nick Diemel and 24-year-old Justin Diemel, of Wisconsin, then burning their bodies and dumping them in a manure pile. He faces two counts of first-degree murder.
Relatives say the brothers traveled to Nelson's farm to collect on a $250,000 debt.
Kramer says Missouri authorities confirmed the remains could belong to one of the brothers.
COLUMBIA SEARCH LEADS TO PURSUIT
Columbia Police detectives from the Street Crimes Unit (SCU) with assistance from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) served a search warrant at a residence, 4001 Oakland Gravel Road, Apt. 202 on Tuesday, Nov. 19. While conducting the search warrant, one person fled in a vehicle, which initiated a vehicle pursuit.
The pursuit began in the 4000 block of Oakland Gravel Road and ended in the vicinity of East Sir Barton Drive and Gallant Fox Drive when CPD used a spike strip to disable the vehicle. The sole occupant exited the vehicle and fled on foot. A helicopter was in the air and maintained surveillance on the fleeing suspect while officers maintained a perimeter. The suspect was located in a wooded area in the vicinity of East Sir Barton Drive and Gallant Fox Drive. He was taken into custody without any further incident.
Several schools in the area were put on "hold and secure." This prevents anyone from entering or exiting the school building. At no time was the suspect attempting to get into any school. The schools included in the "hold and secure" were Derby Ridge Elementary, Blue Ridge Elementary, Oakland Middle, Lange Middle and the Center for Early Learning-North.
Inside the residence and vehicle, officers located a total of five firearms, two of which were reported as stolen, and approximately one ounce of heroin.
The suspect, identified as Joseph Andrew Luckett Jr., 25, of Columbia, has been charged with the following: resisting arrest for a felony, two counts of tampering with physical evidence, five counts of convicted felon in possession of firearm, two counts of stealing (firearm), misdemeanor stealing, and delivery/distribution of a controlled substance.
There is no further information to release at this time.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or Crimestoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
NUMBERS FROM FIRST WEEKEND OF FIREARMS SEASON RELEASED
Now that the first weekend for deer firearms season is in the books, just how many deer were harvested around the state of Missouri? And how many of those deer were harvested from counties in northeast Missouri?
During the first weekend of deer firearms season, nearly 90,000 deer were harvested around the state, however, that is approximately 10,000 deer less than opening weekend of deer firearms season in 2018.
In northeast Missouri, Macon County saw the highest amount of harvested deer with roughly 1,000, followed by Adair and Linn Counties with almost 950 harvested deer during opening weekend.
Deer firearms season concludes on November 26; however, deer archery season opens November 27 and will last through January 15.
November 19, 2019
TROY MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN LINCOLN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Troy man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 6:50am Monday in Lincoln County. The patrol says that 22 year old Justin Meyer was on Highway H when he failed to negotiate a turn, causing his vehicle to travel off the right side of the roadway, he overcorrected, causing it to overturn and return to the road and kept overturning off the left side of the roadway before ejecting the driver. He was taken to St. Joseph East Hospital in St. Charles with serious injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN EARLY TUESDAY MORNING WRECK
A St. Charles driver was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Tuesday morning in St. Charles County. 43 year old Jeffrey Coleman was eastbound on I-64 and driving too fast for wet road conditions when his car ran off the left side of the road and the front of it struck the concrete wall, rotated and then the rear struck the concrete wall. He was transported by ambulance to Progress West Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
GOV. PARSON ANNOUNCES WEIGHT ALLOWANCE FOR HEAVIER THAN NORMAL LOADS OF HEATING FUEL
On Monday Governor Mike Parson announced an allowance for heavier-than-normal truckloads of heating fuel such as propane, natural gas, and heating oil to travel on Missouri highways in relief of current supply issues in the central United States.
The waiver allows private and for-hire motor carriers to haul up to the specifications of the tank type being operated or 10 percent more than a commercial motor vehicle’s licensed weight on Missouri highways, whichever results in the lower weight.
The waiver remains in effect through December 20, 2019. While the waiver is in effect, participating motor carriers are limited to the following:
- A loaded, gross weight no greater than 10 percent above the gross licensed weight of the commercial motor vehicle OR up to the specifications of the tank type being operated, whichever results in the lower overall loaded vehicle weight;
- This allowance applies within the state of Missouri. If moving interstate, drivers must operate according to the laws of the state they’re in;
- Drivers must obey posted bridge weight limits;
- When crossing a bridge, the driver must restrict the vehicle speed to no more than 30 mph;
- Travel under this allowance is only allowed on non-interstate highways. Those taking advantage of the weight allowance cannot operate on any portion of the interstate highway system.
- All other traffic regulations remain in place.
Drivers who plan to travel under the conditions of the allowance should first consider the weight ratings of the tires on their vehicle. Regulations pertaining to vehicle parts are not waived.
November 18, 2019
CULVERT WORK CONTINUES AND WILL TEMPORARILY CLOSE MONTGOMERY COUNTY ROUTE ZZ
Weather permitting, Monday and Tuesday MoDOT will close Montgomery County Route ZZ from Montgomery County Route RA to Missouri Route 19 for culvert replacements. The work will be completed between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. each day with the road reopening each evening.
Motorists will need to use alternate routes during these times.
Again, this work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled or delayed.
TEEN INJURED IN SUNDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
A Hillsboro teen was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Sunday afternoon in Jefferson County. 17 year old Jayda Eggemeyer was on Old LeMay Ferry Road when her car traveled off the east side of the roadway and struck a utility pole. She was taken to Mercy Hospital South for treatment of minor injuries.
SHOOTING AT COLUMBIA RESIDENCE
Columbia Police officers responded to reports of shots fired and injuries at a residence in the 2800 block of Jacobs Place Friday, Nov. 15, at approximately 8:10 a.m.
Upon arrival, officers located two individuals inside a residence with gunshot wounds. The preliminary investigation shows one female sustained a non-life threatening gunshot wound and the male sustained a self-inflicted life-threatening gunshot wound. Both individuals were provided first aid until EMS arrived, then immediately transported to a local emergency room for advanced medical care.
The male, now identified as the suspect in the apparent attempted homicide, later died at the hospital as a result of his self-inflicted injury. He was identified as Deshawn Zentrell Graves, 22, of Columbia. Next of kin has been notified.
The investigation is ongoing. There is no further information to provide at this time, as this is an active investigation.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or Crimestoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
Weekend Report- November 16-17, 2019
MAN INJURED IN AUDRAIN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Mexico man was injured in an accident that occurred at 12:05am Saturday in Audrain County. 26 year old Devin Middleton was on Route J when his car traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck several trees. He was transported by ambulance to SSM Health in Mexico for treatment of moderate injuries.
TEEN HURT IN ROLLOVER CRASH
A St. Louis teen was hurt in a Saturday afternoon crash in Callaway County. The patrol says that 18 year old Regan Miller was eastbound on I-70 when she fell asleep at the wheel, causing her vehicle to run off the right side of the road and overturn multiple times. She sustained minor injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
DRIVERS INJURED IN FRIDAY NIGHT WRECK
Both Festus drivers were injured in a two-vehicle wreck Friday night in Jefferson County. 48 year old Tina Boyer was on Route A when a car driven by 66 year old Christine Sproull made a left turn onto Plass Road and Boyer’s car struck Sproull’s car on the passenger side. Both were taken to Mercy Hospital South for treatment of moderate injuries.
November 15, 2019
COLUMBIA POLICE INVESTIGATING BREAK TIME ARMED ROBBERY
Columbia Police Department officers were dispatched to a report of an armed robbery at Break Time convenience store, 1410 Forum Blvd., on Thursday at approximately 2:50 a.m. One suspect entered the store and displayed a handgun while demanding money.
The suspect left the store on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash. He was last seen on foot, heading westbound from the store. The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 6’0" tall. At the time of the incident, the suspect was wearing dark camouflage pants with a tan stripe down the legs, a black coat and a mask. There were no injuries reported.
There is no further information to provide at this time, as this is an active investigation.
Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
WOMAN INJURED IN THURSDAY AFTERNOON ACCIDENT
A De Soto woman was injured in an accident that occurred at around 2:50pm Thursday in Jefferson County. The patrol says that 32 year old Jessica Agers was on Route V when her vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway, began to skid and struck multiple road signs before going off the right side of the road. She was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital South for treatment of moderate injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN ST. CHARLES COUNTY WRECK
A Wentzville driver was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Thursday morning in St. Charles County. 84 year old Rosetta Epstein was westbound on I-70 when her car ran off the right side of the road and struck construction equipment. She sustained minor injuries and was taken to St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment.
November 14, 2019
MAN INJURED IN JEFFERSON COUNTY ACCIDENT
A De Soto man was injured in an accident that occurred at around 9:45pm Wednesday in Jefferson County. 29 year old Christopher Thomas was on Missouri 21 when his car struck a deer in the roadway, traveled off the right side, struck a rock bluff and overturned. He was transported by ambulance to SSM Health St. Clare Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
WOMAN HURT AFTER CAR STRIKES DEER
Another incident involving a car striking a deer happened Wednesday night in Taney County as 43 year old Meada Spencer of Nixa, MO was on US 65 when her car struck a deer in the road. She sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in Springfield for treatment.
CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY ON FIRST BRIDGE FUNDED BY GOV. PARSON’S TRANSPORTATION PLAN
On Tuesday construction on the first bridge to be replaced under Governor Mike Parson’s Focus on Bridges program began in northeast Missouri. Work to replace the Route JJ bridge over Price’s Branch near Bellflower in Montgomery County is scheduled to be completed next May.
The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded the construction contract to E&C Bridge of Jamestown, Missouri, in September. The new bridge will cost approximately $516,000 to construct.
“Our administration has and will continue to focus on building up Missouri’s infrastructure, specifically its transportation infrastructure,” Governor Parson said.
Under the Governor’s transportation plan, the Missouri legislature included $50 million in general revenue in the fiscal year 2020 state budget to repair or replace approximately 45 bridges throughout the state and another $50 million for a cost-share program. Construction contracts have been awarded on 38 of those bridges, and all are to be under contract by the end of the year and completed in 2020.
November 13, 2019
RESURFACING PROJECT AWARDED FOR MISSOURI ROUTE 94 IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission recently awarded a contract to Pace Construction, of West Plains, Missouri, for a resurfacing project on Missouri Route 94 in Montgomery County in the amount of $1,742,000. The project will go from Missouri Route 19 to Missouri Route 47 near Marthasville.
“Crews will be resurfacing this route with a one-inch overlay of asphalt,” said MoDOT Area Engineer Erik Maninga.
Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work zone while the work is completed. The work could begin as early as next spring and should be completed before fall.
“A more specific schedule on this project will be shared after the contractor provides the plan for completing the work,” Maninga added.
NATIONAL TRAFFIC INCIDENT RESPONSE AWARENESS WEEK IS THIS WEEK
First Lady Teresa Parson knows all too well the dangers first responders face along the highways. First Lady Parson’s brother, Rick Seiner, was working as an EMT and loading a crash victim into an ambulance when a passing driver struck and killed him.
“It’s a very hard time for a family to have to live through something like this,” First Lady Parson said. “It’s something I hope no one has to live through.”
But across the country, it’s something hundreds of families experience each year. In their tireless efforts to save lives, responders often put their own at risk. In fact, traffic incidents are the leading cause of death for EMS responders and law enforcement officers. To remind motorists what’s on the line, the Federal Highway Administration has declared the week of Nov. 10-16 as National Traffic Incident Response Awareness Week.
There were more than 155,000 traffic crashes in Missouri in 2018. As part of the Missouri Department of Transportation’s work to maintain a safe and reliable transportation system, MoDOT emergency response personnel respond to more than 6,000 traffic incidents each month on average.
When motorists approach MoDOT or any other responders or emergency vehicles on the side of the highway with flashing lights, they should move over. Missouri’s Move Over law requires drivers to either change lanes or slow down when approaching stationary MoDOT, law enforcement or other emergency vehicles with flashing lights. To help protect those who protect us, all 50 states enforce some form of the Move Over law.
DRIVER EXAMINATION STATIONS CLOSED STATEWIDE FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on the following dates:
Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Normal operations will resume on Monday, December 2.
Too many people die in traffic crashes each year in Missouri. The choices you make when you’re behind the wheel matter. Make good choices, so you’ll never have to say, “If I could just go back ...”
November 12, 2019
WOMAN INJURED IN MONDAY AFTERNOON ACCIDENT
A woman was injured in an accident that occurred at around 4:45pm Monday in Miller County. 32 year old Michelle Nolan of Lake Ozark was on Route Y when her vehicle traveled off the roadway and overturned. She was taken to Lake Regional Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN COLE COUNTY WRECK
A driver was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Monday afternoon in Cole County. The patrol says that 61 year old Cathy Polly of Eugene, MO was on MO 17 and driving too fast for road conditions when her truck ran off the left side of the road and overturned. She sustained moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
WASHINGTON, MISSOURI MAN KILLED IN ATV CRASH
One person was killed and another injured in a weekend ATV crash. The fatal accident happened around 5:45 p.m. Sunday in Adair County. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report, Nicholas Hauser, 35, of Washington, Missouri, was on Highway 11, 3.5 miles west of Winigan when it happened. Troopers say he overcorrected and that caused him to cross the center line, and the ATV overturned. It continued to roll off the roadway, ejecting Hauser and his passenger, Jeremy Trankler, 33, of St. Peters, Missouri. Hauser was pronounced dead at the scene. Trankler was flown to University Hospital in Columbia with moderate injuries.
COLUMBIA POLICE INVESTIGATING WEEKEND HOME INVASION
Columbia Police responded to a home invasion at a residence in the 1100 block of Eastland Circle at approximately 10:20 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9. During the incident, one victim received a non-life threatening gunshot wound to a leg. Officers on the scene applied a tourniquet to the victim’s leg prior to medical personnel arriving. The victim was transported to a local emergency room for further medical treatment. The initial investigation revealed that three black males and one white male entered the residence and ordered the occupants to the floor while claiming to be with the FBI. The suspects were not wearing clothing that identified them as any law enforcement agency, but rather were dressed in dark civilian clothing with their faces covered. The suspects left the scene with personal property belonging to a victim in a vehicle described as a red truck.
"When we enter a home for enforcement action, law enforcement will always be clearly identifiable as police," Chief Geoff Jones said. "We will identify and arrest those who are responsible and would appreciate any help the community can provide."
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or Crimestoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
November 11, 2019
MAN KILLED IN ST. CHARLES COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Winfield man was killed in an accident that occurred at 12:45pm Sunday in St. Charles County. The patrol says that 52 year old Jeffery Gregory was on MO 79 when he suffered a medical condition, causing his car to travel off the left side of the roadway onto East Terra Lane, overturned and struck a concrete median wall. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
MOTORCYCLIST SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SUNDAY AFTERNOON CRASH
A motorcyclist was seriously injured in a Sunday afternoon crash in Franklin County. 43 year old Michael Dunham of St. Louis was riding his motorcycle on Highway 185 when he tried to avoid a car driven by 38 year old Paul Roberts of Beaufort, MO but was unable to do so as they collided. Michael Dunham was transported by Air Evac to Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN EARLY MONDAY MORNING WRECK
A driver was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Monday morning in Cooper County. 39 year old Travis West of Raymore, MO was westbound on I-70 when he fell asleep at the wheel and his truck ran off the left side of the road, struck the median and overturned, then crossed over eastbound I-70 and struck a rock bluff. He was taken to CenterPoint Hospital in Independence for treatment of minor injuries.
Weekend Report- November 9-10, 2019
DRIVER HURT IN SATURDAY MORNING WRECK
A driver was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday morning in Cole County. 89 year old William Schaffner of Russellville, MO was on Branch Road when his car ran off the right side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries.
WOMAN INJURED IN GASCONADE COUNTY ACCIDENT
A woman was injured in an accident that occurred at 9:30am Friday in Gasconade County. The patrol says that 40 year old Amy Murray of Linn, MO was on Route Y when her car traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a phone pole guy wire. She sustained minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to Capital Region Hospital in Jefferson City for treatment.
TEEN HURT IN FRIDAY MORNING CRASH
A Mexico teen was hurt in a Friday morning crash in Audrain County. 19 year old Ryan Gish was on Route B when his truck ran off the right side of the road and overturned. He was taken to St. Mary’s Health Center in Mexico for treatment of minor injuries.
November 8, 2019
CULVERT WORK WILL TEMPORARILY CLOSE MONTGOMERY COUNTY ROUTE ZZ
Weather permitting, Nov. 12-15, MoDOT will close Montgomery County Route ZZ from Montgomery County Route RA to Missouri Route 19 for culvert replacements. The work will be completed between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. each day with the road reopening each evening. Motorists will need to use alternate routes during these times. Please remember to obey all work zone signs and personnel, and put down your cell phone to help eliminate distractions. Again, this work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled or delayed.
MU STUDENT PRIME SUSPECT IN WIFE’S DISAPPEARANCE
A prosecutor says a University of Missouri student is the "prime suspect" in the disappearance of his Chinese wife and he played audio in court of the man saying he wanted a divorce "the sooner the better."
The Columbia Missourian reports that Boone County Chief Prosecutor Dan Knight described Joseph Elledge as a "jealous, controlling, manipulative psychopath" while arguing Wednesday that he should remain jailed on $500,000 bond on a child abuse charge. Elledge hasn't been charged in the disappearance of his 28-year-old wife, Mengqi Ji Elledge, who was reported missing four weeks ago. They have a 1-year-old daughter together. The defense, meanwhile, argued that Joseph Elledge's bond should be reduced, saying that Mengqi Ji Elledge had exchanged sexually explicit messages with another person. The judge didn't immediately rule.
COLUMBIA POLICE RESPOND TO ARMED ROBBERY
Columbia Police Department officers were dispatched to a report of an armed robbery at Xpress Liquor & Smokes, 2101 Corona Road on Monday, Nov. 4, at approximately 8:50 p.m. One suspect entered the store and displayed a handgun while demanding money.
The suspect fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash. He was last seen heading eastbound on foot from the store. He was described as a black male, approximately 6’2". At the time of the incident, the suspect was wearing black pants, a black jacket and a mask. There were no injuries reported.
There is no further information to provide at this time, as this is an active investigation.
Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
November 7, 2019
DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN CALLAWAY COUNTY ACCIDENT
A driver was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 4:25pm Wednesday in Callaway County. The patrol says that 79 year old Henry Sydow of Lutz, FL was eastbound on I-70 when his vehicle traveled off the left side of the roadway, he overcorrected, causing it to travel back onto the roadway and then the right side of the road and overturned. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
TWO HURT IN WEDNESDAY EVENING WRECK
Two people were hurt in a two-vehicle wreck Wednesday evening in Morgan County. 90 year old Charlene Ollison of Gravois Mills was on MO 52 when she crossed into the path of a truck driven by 58 year old Ralph Hardin of Versailles while turning and after impact her truck ran partially off the road and came to rest in the westbound lane, while his truck came to rest off the north side of the road. Both sustained moderate injuries. The woman was transported by ambulance to Capital Regional Hospital while the man was transported to St. Mary’s Medical Center for treatment.
COLUMBIA MAN HURT IN EARLY THURSDAY MORNING CRASH
A Columbia man was hurt in an early Thursday morning crash in Boone County. 35 year old Joseph Nieders was eastbound on I-70 when his vehicle struck a deer in the roadway and then came to a controlled stop on the shoulder. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries.
November 6, 2019
STATEWIDE WINTER WEATHER DRILL SET FOR THURSDAY
Even though MODOT road crews have already been out this year battling winter weather in certain parts of the state, the department will still hold its annual winter operations drill on Nov. 7.
Motorists may notice increased numbers of MoDOT vehicles on state routes during the drill. In rural areas, crews will deploy after 8 a.m. In urban areas, the drill will not begin until after 9 a.m. The exercise should be completed by 3 p.m.
During the drill, MoDOT employees will react to a simulated forecast of significant snow for the entire state. The department’s emergency operations centers will activate and maintenance employees will be deployed to their trucks. Emergency communications systems will also be tested.
The drill serves as a training reminder to make sure proper equipment, plowing techniques and safety measures are used. In addition, every piece of equipment—every truck, motor grader, snow blower and tractor—is inspected and calibrated to conserve materials.
One of the most valuable parts of the drill is that it allows MoDOT’s newest employees the opportunity to drive a snowplow over their designated routes so they are aware of obstacles and obstructions, such as curbs and raised islands, that might be hidden in snow or ice.
MoDOT spent more than $64 million on winter operations last year and used over 180,000 tons of salt; 4 million gallons of salt brine; 150,000 tons of abrasives; 500 tons of calcium chloride; 100,000 gallons of liquid calcium chloride; 180,000 gallons of liquid magnesium chloride; and almost 700,000 gallons of beet juice.
GOV. PARSON LAUNCHES INAUGURAL BROADBAND GRANT PROGRAM
On Tuesday Governor Parson and the Departments of Economic Development and Agriculture announced the launch of the state’s broadband grant program, which will award $5 million to bring high speed internet to Missourians across the state.
“It’s a huge problem that nearly 20% of Missourians lack access to high speed internet,” Governor Mike Parson said. “That’s the kind of problem that if you work toward solving it, it’s going to help with other problems, like retaining good talent or offering better health care and education for our communities. Broadband is exactly the kind of infrastructure that Missouri needs to grow and thrive in the future.”
“Missouri’s rural and urban communities are ready to put these funds to work,” Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn said. “By providing an opportunity for broadband infrastructure upgrades, we hope that all of our communities will soon have access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet. It’s our long-term goal to connect our communities, all the way to the last mile.”
Created by the Missouri General Assembly in 2018 and funded during the 2019 legislative session, the grant program matches up to 50 percent of the construction costs to expand broadband to unserved and underserved areas of the state.
Guidelines and scoring criteria are now posted. The grant application period will be open on December 4, 2019.
Once the grant period begins on December 4, applications may be submitted through January 6, 2020. Projects will be selected based on the need for servicing unserved areas of the state, meeting or exceeding the state’s minimum definition of high-speed internet, the applicant’s share of total project costs, economic and community benefit, and adoption strategies.
The broadband grant program guidelines, selection criteria, application, and frequently asked questions are available on DED's website at https://ded.mo.gov/content/missouri-broadband-grant-program.
YOUNG DEER HUNTERS HARVESTS OVER 18,000 DURING EARLY YOUTH PORTION
Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that young hunters ages 6 through 15 harvested 18,158 deer during Missouri’s early youth portion of the 2019 deer hunting season, Nov. 2 and 3. Top counties were Osage with young hunters harvesting 381 deer, Howell with 355, and Franklin with 351.
Last year’s harvest total for the early youth portion was 13,645. Archery deer hunting continues through Nov. 15 and resumes Nov. 27 through Jan. 15, 2020. The November portion of firearms deer season runs Nov. 16-26 followed by the late youth portion Nov. 29 through Dec. 1. The antlerless portion of firearms deer season runs Dec. 6-8 followed by the alternative methods portion Dec. 28- Jan. 7, 2020.
Get more information about deer hunting from MDC’s 2019 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where hunting permits are sold and online at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/downloads/2019FDT.pdf.
November 5, 2019
WOMAN INJURED IN EARLY TUESDAY MORNING ACCIDENT
A woman was injured in an accident that occurred just before 5am Tuesday in Franklin County. 25 year old Courtney Lunceford of O’Fallon was on MO 100 when her car traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a utility pole. She was taken to SSM Health St. Clare Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
MAN HURT IN JEFFERSON COUNTY WRECK
A man was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Tuesday morning in Jefferson County. The patrol says that 24 year old Michael Stevens of Valles Mines, MO was on Route V when his truck ran off the left side of the road and struck a utility pole. He sustained moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital South for treatment.
MEXICO HOME DAMAGED IN HOUSE FIRE
Mexico Public Safety responded to a report of a house fire in the 100 block of South Mississippi Street. The call came in around 3 o’clock Saturday morning. When fire crews arrived, the home had flames shooting out of its windows on three sides. The fire was successfully extinguished but the home was significantly damaged. All residents were successfully evacuated and no injuries were reported. The fire was found around a bed inside the home and residents made attempts to extinguish the blaze prior to calling 911. Early indications are the fire was caused by electronics plugged in, on and around the bed. The cause of the fire is still under investigation at this time.
November 4, 2019
CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN ON ROUTE JJ BRIDGE IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Construction of a new Route JJ bridge over Price’s Branch in Montgomery County will begin the week of November 11, weather permitting. The bridge has been closed since January 3, 2019, when significant deterioration was discovered during a routine inspection. “The new bridge will be 24 feet wide, and it will be opened by May 20, 2020, but hopefully sooner, weather permitting,” said MoDOT Area Engineer Erik Maninga.
The contractor performing the work is E & C Bridge, LLC, of California, Missouri. The Route JJ bridge replacement will cost just over half a million dollars.
CONFIRMED MUMPS CASES IN BOONE COUNTY
Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) has identified a number of recent cases of mumps in Boone County. Health officials are working closely with the cases and community healthcare providers to identify those who may have come in contact with confirmed cases. Mumps is a viral illness that can cause fever, body aches, headaches, fatigue, swelling of the salivary glands, or pain with chewing and swallowing. About a third of people who contract the mumps virus do not develop any symptoms. Mumps is transmitted through saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose or throat. An infected person can spread the virus by coughing, sneezing, talking, kissing, or sharing cups, forks, knives, spoons, cigarettes, e-cigarettes and drinks. Some people who get mumps have very mild cold-like symptoms or no symptoms at all and may not know they have the disease. People with mumps can spread it for two to three days before they know they are sick, and an additional five days after the swelling in their cheek or jaw area begins. Individuals are most contagious two days before the onset of symptoms and five days after and should remain at home during this time.
Anyone with symptoms should call their healthcare provider. Having two doses of MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is the best way to protect against mumps. To check your immunization status or to get vaccinated, please contact your healthcare provider. For more information about mumps, visit www.cdc.gov/mumps
POSSIBLE DRUG TRAFFICKING OPERATION CAUGHT BY MISSOURI HIGHWAY PATROL
The Missouri State Highway Patrol says it’s investigating a drug trafficking operation — and possible human trafficking ring — after troopers conducting a traffic stop found a 15-year-old girl with several pounds of methamphetamine strapped to her abdomen.
The Kansas City Star reports the traffic stop occurred Tuesday on Interstate 70 in western Missouri. Troopers say a 22-year-old California woman was driving, and the girl was a passenger. When an officer called the girl’s mother, she told him she thought her daughter was at school and had no idea who the California woman was.
When questioned, the girl told officers she had 5.5 pounds of meth strapped to her.
The woman was charged Wednesday with drug trafficking, endangering the welfare of child and other counts. The teen was returned to her mother, and police say no charges against her are expected. The patrol is working with federal law enforcement on the case.
Weekend Report- November 2-3, 2019
MAN INJURED IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING ACCIDENT
A man was injured in an accident that occurred at 12:45am Sunday in Boone County. 76 year old Edward Lyle of Middletown, OH was westbound on I-70 when his car struck a deer in the roadway. He was transported by ambulance to Pinnacle Regional Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN SATURDAY EVENING WRECK
A Columbia driver was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday evening in Miller County. 64 year old Robert Barrett was on Cotton Road when his truck traveled off the right side of the road, struck a tree and overturned. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to Lake Regional Hospital for treatment.
TWO MEN INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN WASHINGTON COUNTY CRASH
Two De Soto men were injured, one seriously in a Saturday night crash in Washington County. The patrol says that James Baker was on Calico Road when his vehicle ran off the right side of the roadway, struck a tree, overturned and traveled off the left side of the road. He suffered moderate injuries, while his passenger John McCarthy sustained serious injuries. Both were taken to Mercy Hospital South for treatment.
November 1, 2019
CULVERT REPLACEMENTS WILL TEMPORARILY CLOSE ROUTES IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Weather permitting, MoDOT will be doing culvert replacements on the following routes in Montgomery County.
Montgomery County Route RA - Nov. 1 and Nov. 4-6, the road will be closed from Montgomery County Route ZZ to where state maintenance ends (gravel) for culvert replacements. The work will be completed between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. each day.
Montgomery County Route ZZ - Nov. 7-8, the road will be closed from Route RA to Missouri Route 19 for culvert replacements. The work will be completed between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. each day.
Motorists will need to use alternate routes during these times.
Again, this work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled or delayed.
THREE HURT IN COLLISION ON ICY ROADWAY
An icy roadway was blamed for a collision on Audrain County Route J, which sent three members of a Mexico family to the hospital, just after 8am Thursday. The patrol says 40 year old Cheryl Emminger, of Mexico, lost control of her northbound car on an icy roadway. It crossed the center line and collided with an oncoming vehicle driven by 55 year old Patreca Hagedorn, of Rush Hill. Emminger was treated for moderate injuries and two juveniles in her vehicle, age 10 and 12, were both treated for minor injuries. All three were taken to University Hospital in Columbia.
PSC COLD WEATHER RULE TAKES EFFECT NOVEMBER 1
The Missouri Public Service Commission’s Cold Weather Rule, designed to help customers with heat-related utility bills, begins on November 1, 2019. The rule will remain in effect through March 31, 2020. It has been a part of the Commission’s rules and regulations since 1977. The Cold Weather Rule applies to natural gas and electric utilities under PSC jurisdiction that provide heat-related service. Municipally operated systems, cooperatives and those that provide propane delivered by truck are not under PSC jurisdiction.
October 31, 2019
COLUMBIA ARMED ROBBERY
Columbia Police Department officers were dispatched to a report of an armed robbery at Break Time convenience store, 2402 Paris Road, on Wednesday, Oct. 30, at approximately 1:30 a.m. One suspect entered the store and brandished a handgun while demanding money. There were no injuries reported. The suspect fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash. He was last seen southbound on foot from the store. He was described as a black male, between 40 and 50 years old, approximately 5’10" tall with a medium build. At the time of the incident, the suspect was wearing blue jeans with a black coat. There is no further information to provide, as this is an active investigation. Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER THIS HALLOWEEN
Each year, millions of children and adults alike celebrate Halloween, a holiday known for its sweet treats and spooky parties. Don’t drive scary. Commit to sober driving Halloween night, and every night. To keep our roadways safe, Missouri law enforcement will be on the lookout for drivers who have had too much celebration while reminding everyone of the dangers of impaired driving. Halloween poses an especially dangerous threat to pedestrians, as more people are out at night on the hunt for candy. If your night involves alcohol, plan for a sober ride home. Remember: Don’t ever drive impaired. Children out trick-or-treating, and those who accompany them, are also at risk. NHTSA reports that from 2012 - 2016, 14% of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween night involved drunk drivers. Drivers between ages 21 to 34 accounted for the most impaired-driving fatalities (46%) on Halloween night in 2016. Drunk driving isn’t the only risk on the road: Drug-impaired driving is also an increasing problem. If you feel different, you drive different.
MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS
On Tuesday, October 22 at approximately 1:23AM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1300 block of W. Monroe in reference to an alarm at a business. Officers arrived about one minute later to find that the back door of the business had been pried on and damaged, but no one had entered the building. Further investigation indicated that two suspects were involved and those same suspects broke into a business in the 1400 block of N Jefferson and the 900 block of E Liberty by prying open back doors. A small amount of money and some tools were taken during the burglaries. Anyone with information about this or any other crime is asked to contact CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 392-TIPS or (800) 392-8477 or Mexico Public Safety at (573) 473-5800 or (573) 581-2100.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
. . . from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
October 30, 2019
GREEN CITY WOMAN INJURED IN SULLIVAN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Green City woman is injured after a two vehicle accident in Sullivan County Monday afternoon.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a vehicle driven by 63 year old Douglas Childers of Green City was pulling onto Highway B three miles southeast of Pollock at approximately 4:25 p.m. Monday when he pulled into the path of a vehicle driven by 36 year old Jeanie Kinney of Green City. Kinney’s car struck Childers’ vehicle in the side. Kinney was taken by ambulance to Sullivan County Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Childers was not injured.
FOUR INJURED IN CLINTON COUNTY ACCIDENT
Four people are injured, two seriously, after an accident in Clinton County Monday evening.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a vehicle driven by 23 year old Skyler Johnson of Macon was merging onto Interstate 35 from Route PP at the 32.8 mile marker, approximately 2 miles east of Holt at around 5:40 p.m. when he lost control of the vehicle on the wet road and crossed the median into oncoming traffic. Johnson’s vehicle was struck in the passenger side by a vehicle driven by 57 year old Robert Young of Lathrop. A passenger in Johnson’s car, 23 year old Ethan Pagliai of Excello, Missouri, and a passenger in Young’s car, 54 year old Kristina Young of Lathrop, both sustained serious injuries. The two drivers, Robert Young and Skyler Johnson, sustained moderate injuries. Pagliai and Johnson were taken to Liberty Hospital. Robert and Kristina Young were taken to North Kansas City Hospital for treatment.
IOWA COMPANY TO OPEN STORE IN MACON
On Tuesday, Central Service and Supply, Inc. held its ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of its new location in Macon, Missouri.
Central Service and Supply, Inc. is a company known mainly for making mining equipment.
This is the company's first store in Missouri. Its other location is in Des Moines, Iowa.
According to Vice President of Central Service and Supply, Inc. Jason Fox, Macon was chosen for the new store because of its location at the intersection between highways 36 and 63.
This location will have 10-15 employees on staff.
More information about Central Service and Supply can be found at centralsands.com
CENTERTOWN MAN DEAD AFTER CALLAWAY COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Centertown, Missouri man is dead after an accident on Route AA in Callaway County early Tuesday morning.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a vehicle driven by 19 year old Matthew Spencer of Centertown was westbound on Route AA a half mile west of County Road 499 at 4:25 a.m. Tuesday when his vehicle ran off the west side of the road and struck a tree. Spencer was taken by ambulance to Capitol Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
CHILLICOTHE POLICE SUMMARY FOR OCTOBER 28, 2019
- 12:10am, Officers were dispatched to a commercial burglary alarmin the 2600 block of N Washington Street. The alarm was accidentally tripped by an employee.
- 2:58am, Officers were dispatched to a commercial burglary alarm in the 2600 block of N Washington Street. The alarm was accidentally set off by an employee.
- 4:29am, Officers were dispatched to check on a suspicious person in the 2700 block of N. Washington Street.
- 7:28am, Officers were dispatched to an alarm at Hedrick Medical Center. Officers were advised that there was an unruly person causing a disturbance. The male was escorted off the property and no charges were sought.
- 9:59am, Officers spoke with a resident at the Police Department in reference to a property issue.
- 11:20am, Officers were dispatched to check the well-being of a resident in the 400 block of Vine Street. The resident was contacted and was not in need of assistance.
- 11:32am, Officers were dispatched to check the well-being of a resident in the 200 block of Jackson Street. The resident was not in need of assistance.
- 11:38am, Officers were dispatched to a parking complaint in the 1400 block of Jackson Street.
- 12:32pm, Officers were dispatched to a report of a theft from a business in the 1000 block of Graves St. Officers were provided a vehicle description and license plate number of the involved person. Officers located the vehicle on N Washington Street north of State Hwy 190. Officers recovered the stolen property and arrested Tiffany L. Haffner for stealing. Haffner was released on a Municipal Citation.
- 3:08pm, Officers were dispatched to a report of a vehicle striking a mailbox in the 1200 block of Alexander. The driver of the vehicle agreed to pay for the damage and a Police Report was not requested.
- 3:39pm, Officers were dispatched to a parking complaint in the 1000 block of Graves Street. The vehicle was gone upon Officer’s arrival
- 4:56pm, Officers were dispatched to the Chillicothe Rll School Bus barn in reference to a report that a small child had not been picked up by a parent. The Parent was contacted by Officers and the child was returned to the parent and the incident was referred to the Livingston County Children’s Division.
- 5:23pm, Officers returned property to that had been recovered to the owner.
- Officers conducted numerous traffic enforcement stops, building checks and responded to 87 calls for service.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
.
. . from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
October
28th, 2019
TWO INJURED IN
FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT
Two people were injured in an accident that occurred at
8:10pm Saturday in Franklin County. The
patrol says that 24 year old Kayray Kittrell of Sullivan was on Missouri Route
V when she lost control and her car slid off the right side of the roadway,
struck a utility pole and a shed. She
sustained moderate injuries while her passenger 30 year old Matthew Pedrotti of
Union suffered minor injuries. Both were
transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.
MOTORCYCLIST FLOWN
TO AREA HOSPITAL FOLLOWING CRASH
Jefferson City Police say a motorcyclist was flown to a
hospital in critical condition after a Sunday afternoon crash on MO 179 at
Missouri Blvd around 3:15 pm. A
northbound car was turning left onto Missouri Blvd when it collided with the
southbound motorcyclist. No other details have been released at this time.
WOMAN HURT AFTER
CAR STRIKES DEER SATURDAY MORNING
A Bonne Terre woman was hurt in a Saturday morning crash
in Jefferson County. 63 year old Linda
Tiemann was on Missouri 110 when her car struck a deer in the road. She was taken to Mercy Hospital South for
treatment of minor injuries.
MAN INJURED IN
FRIDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
A St. Charles man was injured in a one-vehicle wreck
Friday afternoon in Cooper County. 76
year old George Dickey was eastbound on I-70 when his vehicle traveled off the
right side of the roadway, struck an embankment and then ran off the left side
of the road and struck median cables. He
was taken to Pinnacle Regional Hospital in Boonville for treatment of minor
injuries.
GOVERNOR MAKES
SEVERAL APPOINTMENTS INCLUDING A COUNTY POSITION
Governor Parson
made four appointments to various boards and commissions and also filled one county
office vacancy. Named on that list was Ryan Parker, of Troy, who was appointed as the Lincoln County Coroner. Mr. Parker is
a Sheriff Deputy & K-9 Handler with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and
a Support Services and Transporter with a Troy area funeral home. Previously,
he served as a Police Officer & K-9 Handler with the Troy Police Department
and has also served as Chief of Police for the Winfield Police Department. Mr.
Parker is a certified Emergency Medical Responder and Tactical Medic. He also
has received training in S.W.A.T. (Special Weapons and Tactics) and Homicide
Investigations. Mr. Parker is a graduate of the Eastern Missouri Police
Academy.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT NEWS
Saturday night,
the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department was represented by K9 Deputy Mathis
and Corporal Mayes at the Trunk or Treat event at the Lutheran Church in
Wellsville after receiving an invitation by the church. And, according to a
post on the sheriff’s facebook page the department wanted to say “Thank You” for the invitation. Cpl. Mayes and Deputy
Mathis said they had a great time seeing the children in their costumes and
watching them play with the departments K9
October 25, 2019
WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN LINCOLN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Silex woman was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 5:20pm Thursday in Lincoln County. The patrol says that 39 year old Frank Roth of Troy was on Highway 47 when he slowed for a vehicle stopped ahead attempting to make a left turn and his truck was struck in the rear by a car driven by 22 year old Katharyn Nolan of Silex. She was taken to St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis with serious injuries.
MEXICO
MAN ARRESTED AFTER FIGHT
On Wednesday, October 23 at approximately 6:49PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 100 block of E Monroe for a report of a fight in progress. Responding personnel learned that Jason T Scott, age 34 of Mexico, was asked to leave a business after being involved in a disturbance. Scott began to leave, then returned with a knife, and continued to yell at several people. Officers located Scott nearby and he was arrested for Assault 4th degree and Unlawful Use of Weapon. He was processed at MPSD, and taken to the Audrain County Jail to post bond on the offenses. There were no injuries from the incident.
PUBLIC HELP NEEDED IN FINDING MISSING KIRKSVILLE TEEN
A Kirksville mom is worried sick about her missing daughter, and she is asking for the public’s help to find her. Jessica Fox told KTVO her 16-year-old daughter, Hailey Draper-Fox, of Kirksville, ran away on Wednesday because she didn't want to go to a meeting she was required to attend. Fox says Hailey drove off in her gray 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Family friends spotted the missing teen around 1 a.m. Thursday in the south part of Kirksville, but they say she took off again. Hailey has blue eyes, black hair, and she is 5'3" tall and weighs 160 pounds. Jessica Fox says she is not sure if her daughter is in any danger, but the people she is hanging around with are not a very good influence. If you see Hailey Draper-Fox or know where she is, you are asked to call the Kirksville Police Department at (660) 785-6945 or her family at (660) 988-7509.
October 24, 2019
MAN KILLED IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON
A Moscow Mills man was killed in a motorcycle accident that occurred just after 3:30pm Wednesday in St. Charles County. 52 year old Charles Bradshaw was riding his motorcycle on Highway 364 westbound ramp to I-64 when it traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
SEDALIA
POLICE ASK FOR PUBLIC HELP IN FINDING MISSING TEEN
The Sedalia Police Department is asking for the public's help in finding a Missouri teen.
According to the police department's Facebook page, Marie McDonald is 17 years old and was last seen on Oct. 17. McDonald was leaving Liberty Park with a person law enforcement said she knows. McDonald is 5 foot 5 inches and 140 pounds. She has brown eyes. The last time she was seen she had long brown hair, going to her lower back. Police ask that if you see Marie, contact the Sedalia Police Department anytime at (660) 826-8100.
MISSOURI FARMER CHARGED IN DEATH OF WISCONSIN BROTHERS
A Missouri cattle farmer has been charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of two missing brothers from Wisconsin. Court documents filed Wednesday in Caldwell County, Missouri, show Garland Nelson of Braymer is also charged with two counts of abandonment of a corpse, evidence tampering and other counts. Nick and Justin Diemel of Shawano County, Wisconsin, were reported missing July 21. They had been visiting Nelson's northwestern Missouri farm while on a trip related to their cattle business. Human remains were found on the farm but haven't been publicly identified. Nelson was charged in July with tampering with a vehicle rented by the brothers. Authorities say he abandoned the truck at a commuter parking lot.
October 23, 2019
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN CALLAWAY COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Bellflower man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at around 10:50pm Tuesday in Callaway County. The report states that the patrol was involved in a pursuit with a car driven by 23 year old Thomas Lawrence on Route B when it hit spike strips, causing the car to travel off the left side of the roadway and overturn. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING WRECK
A driver was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Wednesday morning in Jefferson County. 35 year old Che Gott of Ironton, MO was on Highway Y when his car ran off the right side of the road and struck a tree. He sustained minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital South for treatment.
POLICE IDENTIFY VICTIM IN COLUMBIA WEEKEND SHOOTING
Columbia Police had identified the victim of a weekend shooting in Columbia as Dajion A. Harris, 13, of Columbia. Cameron J. White, 19, of Columbia, who was located and originally arrested for Manslaughter in the 4500 block of Orchard Lane has now been charged with Murder 2nd and Armed Criminal Action. Columbia Police responded to a report of a shooting in the 4400 block of Rice Road at 11:52 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19. There is no additional information for release as this remains an active case.
If anyone has any information about this incident, please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS to remain completely anonymous.
October 22, 2019
WOMAN INJURED IN MONDAY MORNING ACCIDENT
A New Haven woman was injured in an accident that occurred at 8am Monday in Franklin County. 20 year old Alysha Gildehaus was on Highway KK when she failed to negotiate a curve and her car traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck a ditch and rolled onto its side. She was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of moderate injuries.
MAN KILLED IN SUNDAY NIGHT CRASH
An Imperial man was killed in a motorcycle crash Sunday night in Jefferson County. The patrol says that 53 year old Joseph Hendrix was riding his motorcycle on Highway 67 when it ran off the west side of the road and ejected him from the motorcycle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
COMMERCIAL STRUCTURE FIRE IN COLUMBIA
The Columbia Fire Department was dispatched to a commercial structure fire at 2309 West Broadway, Broadway Apartments, at 3:43pm on Monday. Initial reports indicated a fire on a third floor balcony of apartment 125. First arriving units observed light fire and smoke coming from the balcony of apartment 125. Crews were able to contain the fire to the balcony and quickly extinguish it. One dog in a crate was removed from the apartment unharmed. There were no other occupants in the apartment. Fire investigators are on the scene performing a fire origin and cause investigation. More information will be released as it becomes available. Eight units from the Columbia Fire Department responded to this call. There were no reported injuries.
October 21, 2019
SUSPECT CHARGED IN WEEKEND COLUMBIA SHOOTING
Columbia Police report that a suspect has been arrested and charged in connection with the shooting death of a 13 year old boy Saturday night. 19 year old Cameron White is charged with first-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action and is being held on $50,000 dollars bond. Police say the shooting occurred in the 4400 block of Rice Road Saturday night. The 13 year old victim suffered a serious gunshot wound and was pronounced dead early Sunday morning at a Columbia trauma center. No further official details have been released.
TWO HURT IN HOWARD COUNTY COLLISION
A Friday afternoon collision on Highway 5 in Howard County seriously injured a Boonville driver and left a Lamont, MO teenager with moderate injuries. According to the highway patrol, the accident occurred just after 3pm at the intersection of Highway 5 and County Road 450. The patrol says southbound vehicles driven by 18 year old Samuel Bello of Lamont and 29 year old Mia Burnes, of Fayette, had slowed for traffic when a southbound pickup, driven by 56 year old Clarence Howery, of Boonville, struck Bello’s car from behind, causing a chain-reaction collision. Howery suffered serious injuries and was taken by ambulance to University Hospital for treatment. Bello was treated for moderate injuries, also at University Hospital.
TWO LIFE-FLIGHTED AND TWO OTHERS INJURED IN FRIDAY COLLISION
A Friday afternoon collision on US Highway 40, near Boonville, injured four occupants of the two vehicles including serious injuries for a pair of Boonville residents. It occurred just before 2pm Friday. The patrol says an eastbound car, driven by 86 year old Carl Thomas, of Fulton, crossed the center line and struck a westbound car, driven by 40 year old Timothy Chamberlain, of Boonville, causing it to overturn several times. Chamberlain and his passenger, 39 year old Sunny Allison of Boonville were both life-flighted to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries. Thomas and his 85 year old wife, Mary, were both taken to University Hospital by ambulance for treatment of moderate injuries.
Weekend Report- October 19-20, 2019
WOMAN INJURED IN GOLF CART ACCIDENT
A Mexico woman was injured in a golf cart accident that occurred at 2:30pm Saturday in Audrain County. The patrol says that 56 year old Cheryl Poindexter was riding her golf cart on Route ZZ when she lost control while traveling downhill, causing it to overturn and eject her from the golf cart. She was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING WRECK
A Marthasville driver was hurt in an early Sunday morning wreck in Warren County. 21 year old Justin Schlenther was on Highway 94 when his truck ran off the right side of the road, struck an embankment, he overcorrected, causing it to overturn and strike several trees. He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.
MAN HURT IN SATURDAY MORNING CRASH
A Jefferson City man was hurt in a Saturday morning crash in Moniteau County. 40 year old Homer Cavitte was on Route T when his car traveled off the right side of the roadway, he overcorrected, ran off the left side of the road and overturned. He was taken to Capital Region Hospital in Jefferson City for treatment of minor injuries.
October 18, 2019
TWO TEENS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT
Two teens were seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 8:45am Thursday in Franklin County. 18 year old Austin Cope of Cedar Hill, MO was on Route OO and driving too fast for road conditions when his Jeep Cherokee traveled off the right side of the roadway, over Forest Glen Drive into a dry creek bed and struck a large rock, rotated clockwise and overturned. Both the driver and his passenger 18 year old Melvin Miniefee of Pacific, MO were taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
MAN INJURED IN EARLY THURSDAY MORNING WRECK
A Columbia man was injured in a one-vehicle wreck early Thursday morning in Boone County. 36 year old Joseph Hanson was on 16350 North of Route Z when he drove his car off the right side of the road, struck a culvert, overturned several times, struck a tree and came to rest on its roof. He sustained moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to Boone Hospital for treatment.
CHANGE YOUR SPEED, CHANGE THE ENDING
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a crash on a road with a speed limit of 65 mph or greater is more than twice as likely to result in a fatality than a crash on a road with a speed limit of 45 or 50 mph and nearly five times as likely as a crash on a road with a speed limit of 40 mph or below. In Missouri specifically, speed contributed to nearly 40 percent of the state’s 921 roadway fatalities in 2018 continuing an alarming trend related to speed over the last 5 years.
The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety wants to remind drivers that there is a reason for posted speed limits – the safety of all road users.
“Saving a few extra minutes on your commute is not worth the increased risk of being involved in a crash that could endanger your own life or the lives of everyone else on the road,” said Jon Nelson, chair of the executive committee of the coalition. “Speed is one of the most common contributing factors for fatal crashes in Missouri, and unfortunately, the data shows it’s only becoming more prevalent. We want to change that.”
A statewide speed enforcement campaign will run Oct. 18-20. During this time law enforcement will be actively enforcing Missouri’s speed limit laws and reminding drivers of the increased risks associated with higher speeds.
October 17, 2019
WOMAN INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Sullivan woman was injured in an accident that occurred at around 2:15pm Wednesday in Franklin County. The patrol says that 29 year old Brandi Wells was on 2028 Bieker Road when she suffered a medical condition and her car traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a utility pole. She was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of minor injuries.
MAN HURT IN WEDNESDAY NIGHT WRECK
A Bridgeton man was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday night in Jefferson County. 83 year old John Glore was northbound on I-55 when his truck ran off the right side of the road and struck a guardrail end. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital South for treatment.
MEXICO KITCHEN FIRE
On Tuesday, October 15 at approximately 7:07pm, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1100 block of W Boulevard in reference to a kitchen fire. Responding personnel found a fire contained in an oven. The fire was extinguished and there was no damage to anything else in the home. The house was equipped with several working smoke detectors and there were no injuries from the incident.
October 16, 2019
MAN KILLED IN COLE COUNTY ACCIDENT
A man was killed in an accident that occurred at around 7:10pm Tuesday in Cole County. The patrol says that 83 year old Robert Luebbering of St. Thomas, MO was riding his John Deere tractor down a private driveway when it traveled off the right side of the road, he overcorrected, causing it to travel off the left side of the road where he overcorrected again, this time it traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a tree and overturned. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN TUESDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
A teen was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Tuesday morning in Lincoln County. 18 year old Deven Wilson of Berkeley was a passenger in a car driven by 17 year old William Ard of Elsberry. The report states that they were going too fast for conditions when the driver attempted to avoid another vehicle but was unable to stop and it ran off the right side of the road and struck a tree. Deven Wilson was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries, while the driver and the other passenger 17 year old Travis Beaver of Elsberry refused treatment at the scene for minor injuries.
WOMAN HURT IN TUESDAY NIGHT CRASH
A Sullivan woman was hurt in a Tuesday night crash in Franklin County. 26 year old Kayla Wilmoth was on Highway 185 when her vehicle ran off the right side of the road and struck a ditch. She sustained minor injuries and was taken to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan for treatment.
October 15, 2019
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN LINCOLN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Troy man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 10:05pm Monday in Lincoln County. The patrol says that 55 year old John Harding was on Route W and driving too fast for conditions when his truck traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned, before striking a tree. He was airlifted by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
WOMAN HURT IN TUESDAY MORNING CRASH
A Hillsboro woman was hurt in a Tuesday morning crash in Jefferson County. 45 year old Tamara Spain was on Route A when her car struck a deer in the road. She sustained minor injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital for treatment.
COLUMBIA
POLICE ARREST MAN FOR FIREARM POSSESSION
The Columbia Police Department served a search warrant at 2313 Parks Edge Place on Friday, Oct. 11 at approximately 10:45 a.m. The warrant was a result of an ongoing investigation involving burglaries and motor vehicle thefts. Members of the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), Criminal Investigations Division (CID), Street Crimes Unit and the Forensic Evidence Team partnered to execute the search warrant.
Henry Anthony Williams, 30, of Columbia, was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm, burglary 2nd, stealing, and possession of a controlled substance.
This is an ongoing investigation and no further information is available at this time.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or Crimestoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
October 14, 2019
MAN DEAD THREE INJURED IN COOPER COUNTY CRASH
A Bunceton, Missouri man is dead and four others are injured after a two vehicle accident in Cooper County Saturday morning. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a vehicle driven by 19 year old Haven Pennington of Prairie Home, Missouri was southbound on Route U just South of Walnut Drive at approximately 10:00 a.m. when her vehicle crossed the center line and into the path of a vehicle driven by 42 year old Michael Kendrick of Bunceton, Missouri. Her vehicle struck Kendrick's head on. Kendrick was pronounced dead at the scene. Pennington and two of Kendrick's passengers, 40 year old Melissa Kendrick and a 14 year old juvenile suffered serious injuries. Another of Kendrick's passengers, a 7 year old juvenile, suffered moderate injuries. Melissa Kendrick and the two juveniles were taken by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia. Pennington was taken by MU AirCare to University Hospital in Columbia.
MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS
On Friday, October 11 at approximately 12:09AM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1200 block of N Jefferson Street in reference to a report of an electric line being down and fire on the roof of a house. Responding personnel found that a falling limb pulled a residential power line down, and broke the weather head from the meter. This caused a considerable amount of arcing and burning until the line’s fuses blew. MPSD stood by until Ameren arrived and removed the line. There was some scorching to the outside of the home. There were no injuries from the event.
TRUMAN REC CENTER EVACUATED AFTER POWER SURGE
Kirksville authorities responded promptly to Truman State’s Student Recreation Center, and evacuated the building at around 6 p.m. Friday evening. A power surge cut the lights and other electronics in the building for at least 15 minutes. The building’s CO2 sensor also signaled to first responders, simultaneous with the outage. The Kirksville Fire Department stated on scene the building was evacuated and placed on lock-down out of “an abundance of caution.”
October 11, 2019
WOMAN KILLED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A woman was killed in an accident that occurred at 11:05am Thursday in Franklin County. The patrol says that 21 year old Katherine Travis of Richwoods, MO was on Highway 47 when her car traveled off the left side of the roadway, into the northbound lanes, overturned, struck a fence and ejected her from the car. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
DRIVER HURT IN THURSDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
A driver was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Thursday afternoon in Franklin County. 35 year old Ebony Stevens of St. Robert, MO was eastbound on I-44 when her car struck the median wall and slid off the right side of the road. She was taken to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan for treatment of minor injuries.
MEXICO
PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS
On Thursday, October 10 a citizen reported a scam to Mexico Public Safety. The citizen received phone calls from people who stated they were with the Social Security Administration and the US Marshals Service. The citizen was told that his identity had been stolen which resulted in loans being taken out in his name and a warrant being issued for his arrest. He was told to go to his bank and remove all the money from his account. The callers were then going to instruct the citizen on what to do with the money to keep it safe and pay for his warrant.
Citizens are reminded that the Social Security Administration and US Marshals Office do not operate in this way and will never request instruct you on what to do with your money or encourage transactions through money cards.
On Wednesday, October 9 at approximately 3:56PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 600 block of Carson Street in reference to gunshots being fired. Investigation has indicated that at least one gun was fired during part of an ongoing dispute between two people. MPSD is continuing to gather information to determine appropriate charges. No one was injured and no property was damaged during the incident.
October 10, 2019
MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS
On Monday, October 7 at approximately 9:07AM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 100 block of S Clark Street in reference to a burglary of a business that occurred over the weekend. Investigation indicates that on Sunday, October 6 after 4:00AM, two people wearing hooded sweatshirts used a piece of concrete to break a window of the business and steal some money.
On Saturday, October 5 at approximately 12:11AM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1700 block of Omar in reference to a disturbance with gunshots being fired. Responding personnel located Sean L Burkett, age 40 of Mexico, and determined he was involved. Burkett was processed at MPSD and taken to the Audrain County Jail for Domestic Assault 4th degree, Unlawful Use of Weapon, and Armed Criminal Action. There were no injuries from the incident.
On Saturday, October 5 at approximately 1:22AM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 800 block of N Western Street (MO Highway 15) in reference to a fire. Responding personnel found a burning pile of items, which appeared to have been placed at the curb for Fall Clean up. The fire was extinguished and there was no damage to any other property. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. There were no injuries from the incident.
CENTRALIA POLICE OFFICER CHARGED WITH SEX CRIMES
Clint Baer, 41, of Centralia, Missouri, was charged in a federal complaint with using interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.
According to the complaint, Clint Baer is employed as a police officer with the Centralia Police Department located in Centralia, Missouri.
In March 2019, Baer contacted an individual he believed was the mother of a 14-year-old girl through the social networking site FetLife. Baer contacted the individual he believed was the mother of the 14-year-old girl. In reality, Baer was speaking with an undercover FBI agent.
Over the course of months, Baer exchanged sexually detailed and explicit text messages and phone calls, via FetLife and Kik messenger, with the undercover agent. In Baer’s sexually explicit messages, he expressed his desire to engage in sexual activity with the 14-year old girl as well as the mother.
On October 1, 2019, Baer contacted the undercover agent, believing he was speaking with the mother of the 14-year-old girl, and set up a time and location to have sexual activity with the mother of the child and the 14-year-old girl. On October 7, 2019, Baer traveled from Centralia, Missouri, to Wentzville, Missouri, for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with both. Baer was arrested in Wentzville. Baer is currently in federal custody. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Saint Charles Police Department are investigating this case.
October 9, 2019
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
A Marthasville man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred just before 8pm Monday in Franklin County. 39 year old Chad Williams was riding his motorcycle on Route AJ when it struck a deer that ran into the roadway, causing his motorcycle to overturn, before going off the left side of the roadway. He was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
THREE ARRESTED AFTER WARRANTS SERVED IN MOBERLY
Three people were taken into custody in Moberly Tuesday after drug warrants were served. According to the North Missouri Drug Taskforce, the taskforce, Randolph County Sheriff’s Department, and the Moberly Police served several narcotics search warrants at the 1300 block of Watson Street in Moberly. During the search, officers reported finding syringes that tested positive for methamphetamine along with baggies of methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia. Two females and a male were taken into custody. Their names have not been released at this time.
KIRKSVILLE STRUCTURE FIRE
Just around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, a structure fire was reported on Hazel Green Way, northeast of Kirksville. Upon arriving on scene, smoke was billowing out from the structure's roof and entrance. Thick smoke obstructed part of the building, so damage was unknown at arrival. Crews from the Adair County Rural Fire Department, the La Plata Fire and Rescue and the Adair County Ambulance District were all on scene. According to Adair County Sheriff Robert Hardwick, the structure may have been a metal working shop. This was based on reports of welding materials and possible tanks of acetylene inside the structure. No injuries were reported.
October 8, 2019
MAN DEAD AFTER ACCIDENT IN COLUMBIA
A Moberly man is dead after an accident in Columbia Saturday. According to the Columbia Police Department, a vehicle driven by 44 year old Michael Bousquet of Columbia was stopped on the south side of Business Loop 70 on Seventh Street at approximately 11:40a.m. Saturday. As his vehicle traveled north across Business Loop 70, it was struck by a motorcycle driven by 48 year old Tracy Page of Moberly. Page was then ejected from his vehicle. Page was taken to University Hospital where he was pronounced dead from his injuries. Bousquet was not injured.
VICTIMS IDENTIFIED IN DOWNING SHOOTING
Court documents reveal that confrontational conversations on social media appear to be what led up to a deadly shooting in Downing, Missouri, on Friday. One man was fatally shot, and a woman was shot in the leg around 5:30 p.m. at a home at 302 East Bard Street in Downing. Takoda Reese, 20, of Downing, is charged with First-Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action and First-Degree Assault. The names of the two victims have now been released. According to Schuyler County Sheriff Joe Wuebker, the man who was shot to death was Kolton Wyatt Baker, 26, of Downing. The woman who was shot in the leg was Tiffany Triplet, 24, of Kirksville. She was taken to a Columbia hospital where she was listed in fair condition as of late Monday morning. Baker died of his injuries. The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control is assisting the sheriff's office with the investigation. Troopers say in court documents that Reese went to Baker's home Friday and fatally shot Baker with a 9 mm handgun and wounded Triplet with the same weapon. Authorities said that during an interview with investigators following the shooting, Reese admitted to having numerous confrontational conversations with Baker via social media throughout the day on Friday. Troopers said Reese admitted he was angry as a result of those conversations. Investigators state in court papers that the suspect told them, "He got the best of me and made me mad." The highway patrol said evidence obtained by investigators led them to believe that Reese deliberated about his actions before going to Baker's residence on Friday. Reese is being held on $500,000 bond. An autopsy on Baker's body is scheduled for Tuesday.
KIRKSVILLE MAN REFUSES TO LEAVE HOME DURING FIRE
A Kirksville man is being questioned by law enforcement after a fire was set beneath his home. Authorities were called to the scene at Woodland Village Mobile Home Court in the 1700 block of North Centennial Street around 12:30 p.m. Monday. Police communications revealed that a man was aware his home was on fire, yet he refused to leave. The Kirksville Police Department told KTVO the man had intentionally set the fire, and arson charges are a likely possibility. After a brief struggle, the man was taken into police custody for questioning. Any criminal charges are pending a full investigation. His name is not being released at this time. The Kirksville Fire Department said the fire caused only minor exterior damage to the single wide mobile home.
October 7, 2019
MAN KILLED IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING ACCIDENT
A man was killed in an accident that occurred at 12am Sunday in Franklin County. The patrol says that 47 year old Kevin Allmeroth of Catawissa, MO was on Missouri Route HH when his truck traveled off the right side of the roadway, returned to the road, began to slide, crossed the center of the roadway, traveled off the right side of the road, struck a ditch and overturned, coming to rest off the roadway on its top. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
THREE INJURED IN SATURDAY NIGHT WRECK
Three people were injured in a two-vehicle wreck Saturday night in St. Charles County. 32 year old Jonathan Martinez of St. Louis was westbound on I-70 when his car was struck in the rear by a car driven by 35 year old Lauren Asbridge of St. Peters and after impact her car entered the grass median and overturned. Jonathan Martinez suffered minor injuries, while his passenger 24 year old Chelsea Brake of St. Louis and Lauren Asbridge sustained moderate injuries. All three were taken to St. Joseph East Hospital in St. Charles for treatment.
TWO TEENS AND MAN HURT IN FRANKLIN COUNTY CRASH
Two teens and a man were hurt in a Sunday evening crash in Franklin County. 19 year old Jacob Townsend of St. Clair was on Highway 47 and making a left turn and did not see a car driven by 42 year old David Roussin of St. Clair and as a result, the man’s car struck the teen’s car in the left front side and then the man’s car struck a guardrail. Both drivers and a passenger in the teen’s car 19 year old Sarah Murphy of Robertsville were transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of minor injuries.
Weekend Report- October 5-6, 2019
HERMANN MAN INJURED IN GASCONADE COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Hermann man was injured in an accident that occurred just before 10pm Saturday in Gasconade County. 57 year old Thomas Held was riding his ATV on 1954 Sand Plant Road in Hermann when he failed to negotiate a curve, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. He was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.
DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SATURDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
A driver was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday afternoon in Morgan County. The patrol says that 40 year old Gabrial Lewis of Barnett, MO was on Route W when his truck traveled off the right side of the road, overturned and ejected him from the truck. He was taken to Lake Regional Hospital with serious injuries.
WOMAN HURT IN BOONE COUNTY CRASH
A Columbia woman was hurt in a Saturday afternoon crash in Boone County. 37 year old Kirstin Steitz was attempting to merge onto I-70 when she drove off the right side of the road, struck a delineator post and overturned. She sustained moderate injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
October 4, 2019
COLUMBIA MAN ARRESTED AFTER SHOTS FIRED
A Columbia man is facing several charges after shots were fired Wednesday night in Columbia. Columbia police responded to the corner of Rice Road and Boyd Lane around 7 p.m. Wednesday. According to the Columbia Police, they found shell casings and broken glass but no victims, suspects or vehicles. Police received descriptions for two vehicles from witnesses at the scene and responded to the 3600 block of Chestnut Street approximately 30 minutes later after a report of a wounded person. They found one of the vehicles at the scene and tracked down the other nearby. Police then arrested 21 year old Terrell Marquise Lawrence and charged him with assault, domestic assault, armed criminal action, being a felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon, and property damage.
EVACUATION AT KRAFT HEINZ PLANT IN KIRKSVILLE
A hazmat situation at Kirksville's Kraft Heinz plant late Wednesday night prompted the evacuation of all non-essential personnel. Plant officials called the Kirksville Fire Department just before 11:30 p.m. to report an anhydrous ammonia leak inside the building. KFD responded with one engine and its hazmat trailer. According to Assistant Fire Chief David Rigdon, his personnel were there on standby in case their services were needed. He said Kraft Heinz crews handled the situation without needing the fire department's help. Rigdon said the anhydrous ammonia leak was contained to the area of the plant where it happened. Crews then ventilated the plant. Employees arriving to work overnight and early Thursday morning were turned away until the situation was resolved. The fire department was on the scene for almost four-and-a-half hours.
Rigdon said he was not aware of any injuries associated with the incident.
THREAT MADE AT WILLIAM MATTHEW MIDDLE SCHOOL IN KIRKSVILLE
Local law enforcement is investigating after a threat was made at Kirksville's William Matthew Middle School Thursday morning. According to Kirksville School District Superintendent Robert Webb, the threat originated on the social media platform Snapchat. He said the "snap" or the message was sent to roughly 40 to 50 students. A student that saw the threat was able to screenshot the message on her phone, and shared it with school district officials. School personnel then alerted the Kirksville Police Department. Webb said that the Snapchat that was sent indicated that school was closed and that some sort of gun violence was going to occur.
A Facebook post by school officials said:
“There was a threat made regarding the middle school this morning. The police were immediately involved. They have investigated and deemed the threat not credible. Law enforcement and the District do not believe there is any risk to students and staff. Additional information will be provided if necessary. Please rely on official district communication channels for updates to help us reduce misinformation. Thank you for helping us keep our schools safe." Webb also said that the student involved will face consequences. However, at this time, he did not specify the severity of those consequences as discussions between school officials, law enforcement and the parents of the student are ongoing.
October 3, 2019
TWO INJURED IN EARLY THURSDAY MORNING ACCIDENT
Two people were injured in an accident that occurred just before 3am Thursday in Howard County. The patrol says that 30 year old Amy Huber of Blackburn, MO was on Route P and driving too fast for conditions when she failed to negotiate a curve, causing her truck to travel off the left side of the roadway, strike a fence and a ditch before coming to rest off the roadway. Both the driver and her passenger 24 year old Zechariah Johnson of Windsor, MO were taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.
MAN HURT IN FRANKLIN COUNTY WRECK
A St. Clair man was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Thursday morning in Franklin County. 78 year old Larry McHugh was westbound on I-44 when his car traveled off the right side of the road, struck the guardrail end, returned to the roadway, where it overturned onto its driver’s side, while skidding on the road, returned to its wheels and skidded back off the right side of the road, struck the guardrail a second time, before coming to rest on the shoulder against the guardrail. He sustained minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.
EPA ANNOUNCES $15 MILLION GRANT FUNDING TO BENEFIT RURAL AND SMALL WATER SYSTEMS
On Monday the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of $15 million in funding for technical assistance and training providers to improve the water quality of small and private water systems that are often located in rural communities across the United States. Ensuring everyone has access to clean and safe water, no matter the size of the water system, is a top priority for EPA.
“Small water systems, especially those in rural communities, face unique challenges, and the Trump Administration is helping them address these challenges and provide clean, safe drinking water for their residents,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “These grants will help ensure that smaller water systems have the knowledge, training and technical assistance needed so they can continue to provide clean drinking water and safeguard public health.
Funding will be used by nonprofit organizations to provide small public drinking water and wastewater systems with training and technical assistance to achieve and maintain compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act, improve operational performance and help inform private drinking water well owners about protecting their drinking water supply. Small water systems often face unique financial and operational challenges including aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, increasing costs and declining rate bases. EPA is committed to helping these systems protect public health and provide reliable drinking water and wastewater services that meet federal and state regulations.
October 2, 2019
HERMANN MAN INJURED IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Hermann man was injured in an accident that occurred at 11am Tuesday in Montgomery County. The patrol says that 75 year old James Meyer was on Leach Branch Road when he suffered a medical emergency, causing his car to cross the center of the roadway and travel off the left side of the road into a ditch. He was transported by ambulance to Hermann Area District Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH EARLY TUESDAY MORNING
A driver was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash early Tuesday morning in Lincoln County. 31 year old Adam Young of Troy was on Davis Road when he failed to negotiate a curve and his motorcycle overturned. He was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
WOMAN HURT IN ONE-VEHICLE WRECK
A woman was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Monday afternoon in Cole County. 72 year old Donna Schubert of Lohman, MO was on Route D when she suffered an unknown medical condition where she lost consciousness, causing her truck to run off the left side of the road, strike a utility pole and a garage. She sustained minor injuries and was taken to Capital Regional Medical Center in Jefferson City for treatment.
October 1, 2019
ROAD WORK PLANNED ON MONTGOMERY COUNTY ROUTES NN & CC
Weather permitting, MoDOT will be doing pavement maintenance on the following routes in Montgomery County.
Montgomery County Route NN - Now-Oct. 3, the road will be reduced to one lane traffic from the North Outer Road (Booneslick Road) to the gravel where state maintenance ends for patching operations from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day. There will be a 10 ft. width restriction in place.
Montgomery County Route CC - Oct. 8, the road will be closed from just east of Third Street to Glazier Trail for a culvert replacement. The work will be completed between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. that day. Emergency vehicles will be able to access the nursing home if needed. For the closure, motorists will need to use alternate routes during this time.
Again, this work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled or delayed.
COLUMBIA PAWN SHOP THIEVES ARRESTED
Authorities say two men have been arrested after 66 guns were stolen from a Columbia pawnshop. Twenty-year-old Alexander Michael Mears was charged Friday with five counts of second-degree burglary, while 26-year-old Tyler Hilderman was charged Thursday with one count of first-degree burglary. No attorney is listed for either of them in online court records. Bond is set at $30,000 for Hilderman and $25,000 for Mears. The Columbia Missourian reports that charging documents say Hilderman admitted his involvement in the Sept. 16 heist from Tiger Pawn during an interview with police. Police say "multiple stolen firearms" have been recovered, although exact numbers weren't provided. The pawnshop robbery was among three gun heists this summer in Columbia. A sporting goods store also was robbed twice, with a total of 39 firearms taken.
RE-EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY UNDERWAY
FOR ADDITION OF CLIMBING LANES ON INTERSTATE 70 AT MINEOLA HILL
Public Comments Accepted Until October 28, 2019
As part of the planning stages for the addition of a climbing lane in both the east and westbound lanes of Interstate 70 at Mineola Hill, the Missouri Department of Transportation is accepting public comments as part of a re-evaluation of an environmental assessment completed in 2005.
The results of that study can be found at improvei70.org/environmental_6.htm. Individuals or organizations wishing to comment can do so by emailing christopher.knapp@modot.mo.gov, calling 1-888-ASK-MODOT or through MoDOT Northeast District Twitter at MoDOT_Northeast and Facebook at MoDOT Northeast District. Comments must be submitted before Monday, October 28, 2019.
This process is part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of the 2005 Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Second Tier Final Environmental Assessment (EA) of the Segment of Independent Utility 6 for the addition of climbing lanes at Mineola Hill.
MoDOT expects the re-evaluation to be completed in February 2020.
September 30, 2019
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
A Foley man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 10:15pm Sunday in Lincoln County. The patrol says that 20 year old Jarod Maessen was riding his motorcycle on Highway 47 at a high rate of speed when he lost control and it overturned, ejecting him from the motorcycle. He was airlifted by Air Evac Helicopter to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
WOMAN HURT IN SUNDAY NIGHT CRASH
A woman was hurt in a Sunday night crash in St. Charles County. 50 year old Dana Baker of O'Fallon, MO was westbound on I-70 when her car traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck an abandoned parked car, then continued across the lanes of traffic and struck the median wall. She was taken to St. Joseph East Hospital in St. Charles for treatment of minor injuries.
ARMED DISTURBANCE AT COLUMBIA RESTAURANT
Columbia Police were dispatched to a local restaurant after a report of an incident involving a weapon Saturday night. According to the Columbia Police, officers reported to the House of Chow in Columbia at approximately 9:15 p.m. where they found two victims of the incident, one of which had life threatening injuries. 29 year old David Chen of Columbia was taken into custody and charged with assault and armed criminal action in connection to the incident.
Weekend Report- September 28-29, 2019
WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY ACCIDENT
A woman was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at around 5:20pm Saturday in Montgomery County. The patrol says that 22 year old Madison Denton of Olathe, KS was westbound on I-70 when she lost control of her vehicle, overcorrected, causing it to travel off the right side of the roadway and overturned several times, before coming to rest on its wheels. She was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRIDAY NIGHT WRECK
A driver was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Friday night in Morgan County. 28 year old Rachel Randall of Smithton, MO was on MO 135 when she crossed the center line with her ATV, ran off the road, struck a ditch and overturned. She was taken to Bothwell Hospital with serious injuries.
MAN HURT IN CALLAWAY COUNTY CRASH
A man was hurt in a Friday night crash in Callaway County. 45 year old William Presson of Olney, IL was eastbound on I-70 when his van traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck the median cables, continued straight and struck a guardrail end and overturned. He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
September 27, 2019
KIRKSVILLE MURDER TRIAL DATE SET
A date has been set for the murder trial of two central Missouri cousins charged with murder. The murder trial of Trebion Dorsey, 15, and his 16-year-old cousin, Demetric Dorsey, both of Mexico, Missouri, has been set for November 26, 2019 at the Adair County Courthouse in Kirksville. The trial was originally scheduled to take place in Audrain County, but it was rescheduled to take place in Adair County on a change of venue. The suspects, along with a third relative, are accused of fatally shooting 27-year-old man at a child's birthday party in Mexico, Missouri, on February 1, 2019. Demetric's brother, Dekhise Dorsey, 18, also of Mexico, faces the same charges as his younger relatives. The younger Dorseys have been certified to stand trial as adults. The three teenagers face charges of Second-Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, First-Degree Assault and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
SIXTH KILLING THIS MONTH IN COLUMBIA
Authorities are investigating the killing of a Columbia man whose shooting death is the sixth this month in the college town. Police said in a news release that 23-year-old James Hickem was shot Wednesday night and died later at a hospital. The shooting came hours after Columbia city leaders held a news conference on recent violence, including two killings Sunday. The Columbia Missourian reports that Police Chief Geoff Jones lamented that the department is short 10 or 11 officers. He said later in the evening at Neighborhood Watch Association meeting that detectives have worked hundreds of hours of overtime in the wake of the recent shootings. He says that his officers "have been stretched as far as any police department can be stretched" in the past month.
CLOSURES SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEKEND AND MONDAY
A ramp closure is scheduled for Friday in Boone County. Contractors will be conducting pavement work on U.S. Route 63 in Boone County and will close the northbound entrance ramp from Missouri Route 763 until 8 p.m. Friday. MoDOT has also scheduled a lane closure for eastbound U.S. highway 36 in Macon County for Monday morning. Work on the Gantz Street Bridge will take place Monday and will reduce eastbound 36 to one lane from 8 a.m. until noon. All work is weather permitting and subject to change. For more information visit modot.org or call 1-888-ASK-MODOT
September 26, 2019
WOMAN INJURED IN LINCOLN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Truxton woman was injured in an accident that occurred at 3:05pm Wednesday in Lincoln County. 56 year old Barbara Gunn was on Highway A when she swerved to miss an animal and her car traveled off the left side of the roadway, returned to the road and overturned. She was taken to Progress West Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN WEDNESDAY MORNING WRECK
A Jefferson City driver was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday morning in Cole County. 20 year old Yulisa McManus was on Tanner Bridge Road when her Ford Windstar went across the center line, she overcorrected, causing it to leave the roadway and strike a tree. She sustained minor injuries and was transported to Capital Regional Medical Center for treatment.
FARMINGTON WOMAN HURT IN CRASH
A Farmington woman was hurt in a Wednesday morning crash in St. Francois County. 29 year old Jonni Rodgers was on Old Frederick Town Road when her vehicle ran off the right side of the road, struck a culvert and returned to the roadway, coming to rest. She was taken to Parkland Health Center for treatment of minor injuries.
September 25, 2019
DRIVER KILLED, OTHER DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN HEAD-ON COLLISION
A driver was killed and the other driver was seriously injured in a head-on collision that occurred at 7:55am Tuesday in Osage County. The patrol says that 22 year old Lacey Clark of Bland, MO was on US 63 when her vehicle crossed the center line and into the path of a vehicle driven by 44 year old Regina Troesser of Bonnots Hill, MO when the head-on collision occurred. Regina Troesser was pronounced dead at the scene, while Lacey Clark was airlifted by Arch Helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
PEDESTRIAN STRUCK BY CAR IN AUDRAIN COUNTY
A pedestrian was struck by a car Tuesday night in Audrain County. 28 year old Brittany Cruz Carmona of Mexico was on US 54 when she swerved to miss a pedestrian in the roadway, but still struck the pedestrian. The pedestrian was identified as 26 year old Collin Mosley of Auxvasse. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.
MAN STRUCK AND KILLED TUESDAY NIGHT
A man was struck and killed Tuesday night in Boone County. The report states that 27 year old Andrew Medley of Jefferson City was on US 63 as 37 year old Jeremy Hall of East Alton, IL was walking on US 63 and was struck by Medley’s auto. Jeremy Hall was pronounced dead at the scene.
September 24, 2019
COLUMBIA POLICE INVESTIGATING DOUBLE HOMICIDE
Two Columbia residents are dead after an apparent double homicide early Sunday morning in Columbia. Police were dispatched to the 2100 block of McKee Street at around 3:10am Sunday after a report of shots fired. They say two victims were found to be suffering from gunshot wounds. 36 year old Antonio Lasha Houston and 33 year old Danielle Beverly-Mae Marine, both of Columbia, were taken to a Columbia Emergency Room where both were pronounced dead. An investigation by the Columbia Police Department is ongoing and anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact police at 573-874-7652 or Crimestoppers at 573-875-TIPS to remain anonymous.
THREE INJURED, TWO SERIOUSLY IN LINCOLN COUNTY ACCIDENT
Three people from Hawk Point were injured, two seriously in an accident that occurred at 7:50pm Monday in Lincoln County. 24 year old Shelby Roettger was on MO Route 47 when she attempted to avoid another vehicle that was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes, but her auto traveled off the right side of the road, struck an embankment, continued on and then struck a utility pole. Both the driver and one of her passengers’ 46 year old Lynn Roettger sustained serious injuries, while the other passenger 38 year old Brian Young suffered minor injuries. All three were taken to area hospitals for treatment.
MAN HURT IN MONDAY MORNING WRECK
A Warrenton man was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Monday morning in Warren County. 31 year old Christopher Jenkins was on Highway 47 when he fell asleep at the wheel, causing his car to run off the right side of the road and strike an embankment. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of moderate injuries.
September 23, 2019
THREE HURT IN HOWARD COUNTY ACCIDENT
Three people were injured, two suffered serious injuries, in a one-vehicle accident, which occurred Friday evening on Howard County Route DD. 44 year old Shaun Shannon, of Franklin and 42 year old George Thomas, of Fayette were both seriously injured. They were passengers in a southbound vehicle driven by 41 year old Dennis Shannon, of New Franklin, who was treated for moderate injuries. The patrol says the vehicle ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a group of trees. All three occupants were taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
WOMAN INJURED IN OSAGE COUNTY WRECK
A Chamois woman was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Friday afternoon in Osage County. 59 year old Bonita Gabelsberger was on Highway 100 when her vehicle ran off the right side of the road and struck a culvert. She was transported by ambulance to Capital Regional Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
TWO HURT IN SUNDAY NIGHT CRASH
Two people from Foley, MO were hurt in a Sunday night crash in Lincoln County. The patrol says that 50 year old Glen Wright was on Fox Run Road when his Jeep Wrangler suffered a mechanical malfunction, causing it to travel off the right side of the roadway, returned to the roadway and overturned. He sustained moderate injuries while his passenger a 15 year old juvenile suffered minor injuries. Both were taken to St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment.
Weekend Report- September 21-22, 2019
MAN KILLED IN LINCOLN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Foley man was killed in an accident that occurred at 8:20pm Saturday in Lincoln County. 67 year old Terry Schell was on Route Y when his car traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING WRECK
A driver was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck early Sunday morning in Jefferson County. The patrol says that 46 year old Bradley Powell of High Ridge, MO was on 3025 Karen Court when his truck ran off the road, down an embankment, overturned and struck a tree. He was airlifted by Survival Flight Helicopter to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
MAN HURT IN SATURDAY NIGHT CRASH
A Desoto man was hurt in a Saturday night crash in Jefferson County. 35 year old Charles Schulte was on Breckenridge Road when he failed to negotiate a curve to the right, causing his car to cross the center line and travel off the left side of the roadway, strike a fence and a tree. He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital South for treatment.
September 20, 2019
HOUSE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE GIVES APPROVAL TO FLOOD RECOVERY BILL
Legislation to help Missourians recover from this year’s devastating floods and better prepare for future floods was approved today by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The bill, the “Resilience Revolving Loan Fund Act” (H.R. 3779), allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide Missouri and other states resources to set up a fund for mitigation projects that reduce disaster risks.Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), who serves as Ranking Member of the Committee, made the following statement after pushing for changes to the bill that would help North Missouri. “This year’s flooding has absolutely devastated North Missouri. Levees up and down the Missouri, Mississippi and rivers in-between were breached. We’ve got to make sure that our river communities have the ability to recover, as well as prevent future flooding. I’m glad we were able make important changes to the Resilience Revolving Loan Fund Act, particularly the inclusion of non-federal levees, providing another important tool to help our communities, farmers, and businesses better prepare for future disasters. In his remarks before the Transportation Committee, Graves applauded Clarksville, Missouri Mayor Jo Anne Smiley for advocating for the bill. Clarksville, located along the Mississippi River in Pike County, was inundated by floodwaters again this year. Earlier this year, Graves introduced similar legislation – the “Resilient Communities Act of 2019.” Several elements of that bill were incorporated into the “Resilience Revolving Loan Fund Act,” specifically the inclusion of non-federal levees. By expanding the types of projects eligible – for example, repair and reconstruction of non-federal levees – the bill will support and enhance FEMA’s existing mitigation programs. Under the bill, assistance can also be applied to projects related to non-profits and businesses, if they reduce flood risk.
MAN WITH SEVERAL WARRANTS ATTEMPTS TO FLEE AND RESIST ARREST INSIDE MOBERLY LOWES
On September 17, 2019 at 8:00 PM, the Moberly Police Department received information in regards to the location of wanted person, Paul Goldsmith. Goldsmith was known to three Randolph County Warrants for Parole Violation, each with a $20,000 Cash Only Bond as well as a misdemeanor stealing warrant out of Boone County. Officers responded to the area of Lowe’s at 1800 East Outer Road in Moberly where he was last seen entering the business. Officers entered the store and located Goldsmith and he immediately turned and ran. Even after officers gained control of Goldsmith, he continued to resist and fight with officers but was ultimately taken into custody. He was unable to post the required bond amounts and was transported to the Randolph County Jail in Huntsville. Additional charges for resisting arrest and possession of a controlled substance will be forwarded to the Randolph County prosecutor’s office for review and formal filing. At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of methamphetamine, multiple controlled substance pills and drug paraphernalia.
HONOR FLIGHT 60 TAKES TO THE AIR MONDAY
On Monday, September 23, a blended passenger list of veterans who proudly served our country will be treated to a trip of a lifetime to Washington, D.C. to see the memorials dedicated to their military service. Honor Flight #60 features 110 heroes from the Korean War and Vietnam War and will take flight at 1:45 am Monday and will return to a public homecoming at 9:30 pm that night at the Courtyard by Marriott in Columbia. They will be escorted back to the hotel and arrive under the stars and stripes provided by the Columbia Fire Department. Area law enforcement agencies, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol make it possible that our honor flight buses return to the hotel in grand style! The Homecoming at the hotel located at 3301 Lemone Industrial Drive in Columbia is a highlight of the day as well as a great community event! The public is encouraged to arrive at 8:45 pm on Monday, to get a good view of the returning veterans and to view the inspirational flag ceremony in the hotel parking lot. You are invited and encouraged to be part of the honor flight experience at 9:30 pm Monday evening. Seeing the crowd waiting to greet the veterans on the flight is the perfect “welcome home” that so many of our veterans never received but all deserved. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.centralmissourihonorflight.com
September 19, 2019
DEATH INVESTIGATION CONTINUES IN GASCONADE COUNTY
On September 16 a 37-year-old male and four-year-old male child were found deceased in rural Gasconade County. Investigators have identified the child as Bentlee J. Turner, and the adult as Monty Jason Barton. Both resided in Belle, Missouri. Autopsies are scheduled for today in Columbia. At 8:13 p.m., on Monday, the Belle Police Department notified the Missouri State Highway Patrol of a missing four-year-old male from Belle, Missouri. The child had reportedly been with a 37-year-old male family friend since the morning hours of Sunday, September 15. At 11:30 p.m., on September 16, officers located the male’s vehicle on Valentine Ford Road near Missouri Route A in Gasconade County. Further investigation revealed the male and child deceased nearby. An ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths is being conducted by investigators of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control, the Belle Police Department, Osage County Sheriff’s Department, and Gasconade County Sheriff’s Department.
HUMAN REMAINS FOUND DURING LANDFILL DIG RELATED TO DISAPPEARANCE OF MEGAN SHULTZ
The Columbia Police Department held a press conference Wednesday to share an update regarding the landfill exploratory dig in relation to the 2006 disappearance of Megan Shultz. Detectives and Solid Waste Utility crews found what appeared to be human remains on Wednesday. CPD has been working with a professional anthropologist who confirmed that what was found is, in fact, human remains. The Columbia Police Department cannot say with certainty that these remains belong to Megan Shultz. The identification process will be extensive and will include DNA testing. "The remains and evidence located with the remains are consistent with what we expected to find when looking for Megan," Columbia Police Chief Geoff Jones said. The Chief went on to say the landfill dig will continue with the hope that crews find additional evidence that will assist in the investigation. Anyone with information regarding Megan's disappearance and this case is asked to contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS to remain anonymous. On Aug. 4, 2019, Keith Alan Comfort turned himself into the Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Police Department and made voluntary statements to them that implicated himself in the murder of Shultz, who was his wife at the time. Comfort indicated that he disposed of Shultz's remains in a garbage dumpster in the 1700 block of Amelia Street in August 2006.
COLUMBIA POLICE INVESTIGATE ARMED ROBBERY AT 101 EAST NIFONG BLVD
Columbia Police officers were dispatched to a report of an armed robbery at Midwest Petroleum (Phillips 66), located at 101 E. Nifong Blvd., on Sept. 18 at approximately 3:30 a.m. The suspect implied he had a weapon however no weapon was displayed or observed. The suspect fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect was described as a white male wearing a tan baseball hat, sunglasses, a red jacket with black sleeves, blue jeans, and tan boots. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or Crimestoppers at 573.875.TIPS to remain anonymous.
September 18, 2019
COOPER COUNTY ATV ACCIDENT
A Pilot Grove man sustained minor injuries in an ATV accident Tuesday morning. The highway patrol said 70 year old Vernon A. Twenter was eastbound on Route N, near Twentr Way Drive at 10:30 AM when he attempted to check his load while driving. The ATV traveled off the right side of the roadway and the driver was ejected and the ATV ended up on top of him. Twenter’s injuries were minor. He was transported to Boone Hospital by ambulance.
ATTEMPT TO AVOID DEER RESULTS IN COLLISION WITH TREE IN MARION COUNTY
The patrol said two people were in a vehicle that attempted to avoid a collision with a deer but still ended up in a wreck in Marion County. It happened on County Road 410, two miles north of Hannibal at 2:30 pm Monday. Landen J. Gruenlow of Palmyra was southbound and attempted to avoid a deer in the roadway. His auto went off the left side of the road and struck a tree. The driver was not injured, however a passenger, Robert L. Ledbetter, age 56, of Hannibal had moderate injuries and was transported by Marion County Ambulance to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment. The auto the two men were in was totaled. The Marion County Sheriff’s Department assisted at the scene.
AUDRAIN MURDER CASES INVOLVING COUSINS MOVED TO ADAIR COUNTY
Your Source KTVO & KTVO dot com reports the case of two central Missouri cousins charged with murder has now been moved to Kirksville. The suspects, along with a third relative, are accused of fatally shooting a 27-year-old man at a child's birthday party in Mexico, Missouri, on February 1, 2019. The murder cases of Trebion Dorsey, 15, and his 16-year-old cousin, Demetric Dorsey, both of Mexico, has been moved to Adair County on a change of venue from Audrain County. The two underage suspects have been certified to stand trial as adults. Demetric's brother, Dekhise Dorsey, 18, also of Mexico, faces the same charges as the other two suspects. The three teenagers are all charged with Second-Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, First-Degree Assault and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
Court documents reveal that Dekhise Dorsey told police during an interview that he, his brother and his cousin were at a birthday party when they saw the victim there. Dekhise said the three confronted him about previous issues, and a physical fight broke out. Dorsey said the victim then took off running, and he heard one single gunshot. Dorsey told police the person who fired the fatal shot did not mean to shoot the victim and that the shooter was scared. Dekhise then refused to talk about what the three did after the shooting. They were not at the scene when police arrived. All three turned themselves in to police together the day after the shooting. The victim was still alive when officers arrived. He told them "The Dorseys" had shot him. He later died at a hospital. Demetric and Trebion Dorsey are set to be arraigned in Adair County Circuit Court on September 25, 2019.
September 17, 2019
BRIDGE REPLACEMENT AT PRICES CREEK ON MONTGOMERY COUNTY ROUTE JJ AWARDED BY COMMISSION
The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded a contract to E & C Bridge, of Jamestown, Missouri, for a bridge replacement on Montgomery County Route JJ. The project will be at Price’s Creek, located 1 mile east of Montgomery County Route E near Bellflower. The total cost of the project is approximately $515,854. The work is expected to begin next spring. The new bridge will be 24 feet wide, which is 4 feet wider than the existing one. The road will be closed during construction.
PEDISTRIAN KILLED IN COLUMBIA ACCIDENT
A woman in Columbia is dead after being struck by a car Monday night. Boone County Joint Communications said in an alert that Clark Lane was closed between Woodland Springs and Hanover Boulevard after a crash. Columbia Police later confirmed that information and said the woman was walking on the road when she was hit. The driver has not been identified as of yet and was on scene talking with police.
COLUMBIA POLICE INVESTIGATE TWO HOMICIDES
Columbia Police investigate two homicides The Columbia Police Department responded to a report of shots fired Friday, Sept. 13 at 11:55 p.m. near Forest Ave. and Grand Ave. Officers found two people with gunshot wounds. They were identified as Sam Baldwin IV, 28, of Columbia with life-threatening injuries and Nadria Wright, 18, of Columbia with life-threatening injuries. Wright was later pronounced deceased at a local hospital. The Columbia Police Department responded to a report of shots fired on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 2:06 a.m. near 5th Ave. and Park Ave. Officers were told an individual had been shot and was transported to a local hospital via a private vehicle. A short time later a local hospital notified Columbia Police a gunshot wound victim was at their emergency department. The individual was identified as E'quan Spain, 19, of Columbia. Spain was later pronounced deceased. Both of these incidents are active cases and under investigation. No arrests have been made. No additional information is currently available. The Columbia Police Department needs the community's help with both of these shootings and deaths. Anyone with any information on either or both of these incidents is encouraged to contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or Crimestoppers at 573.875.TIPS to remain anonymous.
September 16, 2019
THREE KILLED IN COLE COUNTY ACCIDENT
Three people were killed in an accident that occurred after 12pm Sunday in Cole County. The patrol says that 29 year old Demarius Rubin of Memphis, TN was westbound in the eastbound lanes of US 54 when his truck struck a car driven by 91 year old Bernard Steffel of St. Louis head-on. After the collision, the truck overturned into the median. Both drivers and a passenger in the car, 89 year old Marilyn Steffel of St. Louis were pronounced dead at the scene.
TWO WOMEN INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN SUNDAY MORNING WRECK
Two Springfield, MO women were injured, one seriously in a one-vehicle wreck Sunday morning in Franklin County. 20 year old Larissa Hood was westbound on I-44 when her car traveled partly onto the left shoulder, she overcorrected, ran off the left side of the roadway, struck the median cable barrier and overturned. She sustained serious injuries, while her passenger 22 year old Anna Hood suffered minor injuries. Both were transported by ambulance to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan for treatment.
TEEN HURT IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH
A Jefferson City teen was hurt in a motorcycle crash Sunday night in Cole County. 19 year old Connor Quinn was on South Country Club Drive when his motorcycle traveled off the right side of the road, struck a culvert and overturned. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.
Weekend Report- September 14-15, 2019
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING ACCIDENT
A man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 3am Sunday in Howard County. 20 year old Austin Nichols of Harrisburg was on County Road 408 and traveling too fast for conditions when his vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN COLE COUNTY WRECK
A St. Louis teen was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Friday afternoon in Cole County. The patrol says that 19 year old Chloe Gralike was on US 54 when she failed to negotiate a curve, causing her truck to run off the road, strike an embankment and overturned, ejecting the driver. She was airlifted by MU Air to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN SATURDAY AFTERNOON CRASH
A Columbia driver was hurt in a Saturday afternoon crash in Boone County. 41 year old Roderick Whitaker was on MO 763 when his car traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck the median barrier and signs, before returning to the highway and then ran off the right side of the road. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
September 13, 2019
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES PLANNED FOR ROUTES IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Weather permitting, MoDOT will be doing pavement maintenance on the following routes in Montgomery County.
Montgomery County Route K - Sept. 16-19, the road will be reduced to one lane traffic from Missouri Route 19 to the Callaway County Line for patching operations from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day. There will be a 10 foot width restriction in place.
Montgomery County Route FF - Sept. 23-24, the road will be reduced to one lane traffic from Montgomery County Route E to the gravel where state maintenance ends for patching operations from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day. There will be a 10 foot width restriction in place.
Montgomery County Route NN - Sept. 25-27, the road will be reduced to one lane traffic from the North Outer Road (Booneslick Road) to the gravel where state maintenance ends for patching operations from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day. There will be a 10 foot width restriction in place.
Again, this work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled or delayed.
MAN INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
A Ballwin man was injured in an accident that occurred at 8:15pm Thursday in Franklin County. The patrol says that 40 year old Nathan Rascher was riding his motorcycle on Route 100 when he attempted to avoid an unknown vehicle that pulled out into his path but his motorcycle rolled onto its right side and ejected him from it. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of moderate injuries.
MOTORCYCLIST HURT IN THURSDAY AFTERNOON CRASH
A motorcyclist was hurt in a Thursday afternoon crash in Franklin County. 39 year old Jimmy Watson of Union, MO was eastbound on I-44 when his motorcycle experienced an equipment failure and rolled onto its left side before ejecting him from the bike. He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.
September 12, 2019
WOMAN HURT IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY WRECK
A Jefferson City woman was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck that occurred at 8pm Wednesday in Montgomery County. 59 year old Janice Lauer was on Missouri 94 when her vehicle struck a deer in the roadway. She was transported by ambulance to Hermann Area District Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
MAN INJURED IN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON ACCIDENT
A man was injured in a Wednesday afternoon accident in Franklin County. The patrol says that 24 year old Colin Elder of Leubbering, MO was on Weida Road when his motorcycle ran off the right side of the road, overturned, crossed the roadway and struck a fence. He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.
TEEN HURT IN TUESDAY NIGHT CRASH
A Versailles teen was hurt in a Tuesday night crash in Morgan County. 17 year old Alana Madole was on Route C when her car traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a culvert. She was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
September 11, 2019
NEVER FORGET SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2001 – PATRIOT DAY!
This is Patriot Day and most will remember September 11, 2001, four planes were hijacked. The hijackers then deliberately flew three of the planes into two important buildings, the Pentagon in Washington DC and the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York. The fourth crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The loss of life and damage that these hijackings caused form the biggest act of terrorism ever on United States soil. Nearly 3000 people died in those attacks and the economic impact was immense. Patriot Day is an annual observance on September 11 to remember those who were injured or died during the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001.
TWO VEHICLES COLLIDE IN AUDRAIN COUNTY
Both drivers had minor injuries after a crash in Audrain County. The patrol said that wreck occurred at 10:50 PM Tuesday night on US 54 Eastbound, 200 feet east of Audrain Road 841 when Wendi M. Nielson, 39 of Mexico, MO was westbound and crossed the centerline of the highway and struck an eastbound auto driven by 17 year old Alexis T. Harvey of Martinsburg. Both drivers were transported to SMN Health Audrain for treatment.
FEMA REGISTRATION DEADLINE HAS ENDED BUT HELP REMAINS
The deadline for registering with FEMA for disaster assistance has passed, but that does not mean FEMA is leaving. The agency continues working with the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency on the recovery process for this year’s spring and summer severe storms and flooding. Recovery officials encourage Missouri residents who registered for disaster assistance with FEMA to stay in touch. If survivors change addresses or phone numbers, they should contact FEMA to update their information. Missing or incorrect information could result in delays in receiving assistance. Applicants have the right to appeal FEMA’s eligibility decisions, including the amount of the grant. Missouri survivors who don’t agree with FEMA’s eligibility decision may file an appeal within 60 days of receiving their determination letter, even though the registration deadline has passed. For information on additional documentation that should be submitted as part of an appeal, contact the FEMA helpline. Appeals must be made in writing explaining why the agency should re-evaluate its decision and sent by mail or fax to FEMA. For more information on filing an appeal or other information, survivors can contact theFEMA assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585 (TTY) anytime from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Help is available in most languages. Other ways to contact FEMA: DisasterAssistance.gov or DisasterAssistance.gov/es (for Spanish) or on the FEMA Mobile App (also in English and Spanish) The application deadline for a U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loan for physical damage also has passed. In some circumstances, disaster loan applications may be accepted on a case by case basis after the deadline. For information, call the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, emailDisasterCustomerService@SBA.gov, or visit SBA’s website at sba.gov/disaster. If you are deaf, hard-of-hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-877-8339. The filing deadline for businesses to submit loan applications for economic injury is April 9, 2020.
September 10, 2019
PATCHING CONTINUES FOR ROUTES IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Weather permitting, MoDOT will be doing pavement maintenance on the following routes in Montgomery County.
Montgomery County Route K - Sept. 10-13, the road will be reduced to one lane traffic from Missouri Route 19 to the Callaway County Line for patching operations from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. that day.
Montgomery County Route FF - Sept. 16-17, the road will be reduced to one lane traffic from Montgomery County Route E to the gravel where state maintenance ends for patching operations from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day.
Montgomery County Route NN - Sept. 18-20, the road will be reduced to one lane traffic from the North Outer Road (Booneslick Road) to the gravel where state maintenance ends for patching operations from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day.
Again, this work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled or delayed.
OUT OF STATE DRIVER INJURED WHEN VEHICLE COLLIDES WITH TRACTOR TRAILER ON I-70
A Chesterfield, VA driver received serious injuries when his westbound auto drove into the rear of an 18 wheeler on Interstate 70 at the 152 mile marker in Callaway County shortly before 7 o’clock Monday evening. 17 year old Brinan C. Keene was transported by Callaway County EMS to University Hospital in Columbia. The trucker, identified as 35 year old Charlotte Stelly of Baton Rouge, LA was not injured.
PASSENGER ON MOTORCYCLE EJECTED WHEN BIKE COLLIDES WITH DEER
A Bogard woman was seriously injured when she was ejected from the motorcycle she was a passenger on Saturday night in Carroll County. The patrol reports 49 year old Andrea B. Rodenberg of Bogard was a passenger on a motorcycle operated by her husband 33 year old Christopher V. Rodenberg of Bogard when the eastbound motorcycle crested a hill on Highway K at County Road 121 and struck a deer. That accident happened around 10:11 PM Saturday night. She was transported by Carroll County EMS to Carroll County Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Sept. 9, 2019
MAN INJURED IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Laddonia man was injured in an accident that occurred at 11:50am Saturday in Montgomery County. The patrol says that 29 year old Ryan Drummond was on Route J when he attempted to avoid gravel in the roadway and traveled off the right side of the road and overturned. He was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.
WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN UTV CRASH
A Holts Summit woman was seriously injured in a UTV crash early Sunday morning in Callaway County. 35 year old Janetta Quinn was on County Road 391 when she lost control on a gravel road, ran off the right side of the road and overturned. She was taken to University Hospital with serious injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN SATURDAY MORNING WRECK
A Columbia driver was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday morning in Boone County. 69 year old Deborah Barnard was southbound on US 63 when her car traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck the cable barrier and traveled across the median cross over. She sustained moderate injuries and was taken to University Hospital for treatment.
Sept. 6, 2019
MAN INJURED IN EARLY FRIDAY MORNING ACCIDENT
A St. Louis man was injured in an accident that occurred at 12:15am Friday in Jefferson County. 32 year old Michael Mueller was on West Four Ridge Road when he failed to negotiate a right turn, causing his motorcycle to travel off the left side of the roadway and strike a rock. He was taken to Mercy Hospital South for treatment of moderate injuries.
TEEN HURT IN FRANKLIN COUNTY WRECK
A teen was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Thursday night in Franklin County. The patrol says that 16 year old Xavier Plassmeyer of Union, MO was on Clearview Road and driving too fast for the curvature of the road when his car began sliding, ran off the right side of the roadway, returned to the road and crossed the center of the road and overturned. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of moderate injuries.
TWO INJURED IN THURSDAY AFTERNOON CRASH
Two St. Clair people were injured in a Thursday afternoon crash in Franklin County. 38 year old Bodette Algiere was on St. Louis Rock Road when she failed to negotiate a curve to the left and her car traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned. Both the driver and her passenger 35 year old Timothy Stephens sustained moderate injuries and were taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment.
September 5, 2019
HURRY, SEPTEMBER 9TH IS DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR DISASTER ASSISTANCE
Homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained losses or damage in the April 29-July 5 storms and flooding have just a few days left to apply for disaster assistance. September 9 is the deadline to register for disaster assistance from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. After registering with FEMA, most residents are automatically referred to SBA to apply for a low-interest disaster loan. SBA’s disaster loans are the largest source of long-term federal disaster recovery funds for residents, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations. Missouri counties designated for FEMA Individual Assistance are Andrew, Atchison, Boone, Buchanan, Callaway, Carroll, Chariton, Cole, Greene, Holt, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lewis, Lincoln, Livingston, McDonald, Miller, Newton, Osage, Pike, Platte, Pulaski, St. Charles and Saline counties. Don’t delay. Register today before the Sept. 9 deadline in one of the following ways:
o Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
o By phone at the disaster assistance helpline: 800-621-FEMA (3362), v/vp/711 or 800-462- 7585 (TTY). Lines are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Follow recovery updates in Missouri on Twitter @MOSEMA_ and @FEMARegion7. Get the latest information at Missouri's recovery website and FEMA's disaster webpage. For information on applying for an SBA loan, call 800-659-2955 or email SBA's disaster customer service. If you are deaf or hard-of-hearing, call text relay at 800-877-8339. Missouri survivors with additional needs resulting from the April 29- July 5 storms and flooding should call 2-1-1 for assistance.
CAR FIRE IN MEXICO
On Saturday, August 31, 2019 at approximately 10:26PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 500 block of Abat in reference to a car fire. Responding personnel learned that the vehicle had been leaking gasoline and a fire began in the engine compartment. The fire was contained to this area of the car and extinguished. The vehicle was towed from the scene and there were no injuries from the incident.
WARRANT FOR SECOND SUSPECT IN SEPTEMBER 2ND SHOOT ISSUED
The Columbia Police Department is actively searching for Davion Lewarren Manns, 19, of Columbia in relation to the shooting on I-70 just east of Stadium Blvd in the eastbound lanes. Detectives developed probable cause to obtain a no-bond warrant for the following charges: two counts of assault, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child. The Columbia Police department responded to a report of shots fired Monday, Sept. 2, at 8:48 p.m., on I-70 just east of Stadium Blvd. in the eastbound lanes. Two vehicles were involved. The suspects fired shots from their vehicle into another vehicle injuring two of the occupants. Manns should be considered armed and dangerous. If you see Manns, do not approach. Call 911 immediately. Police had already made one arrest in the case. The Columbia Police Department responded to a report of shots fired Monday, Sept. 2, at 8:48 p.m., on I-70 just east of Stadium Blvd. in the eastbound lanes. Statements from an adult in the vehicle which was shot at led to the overnight arrest of Demetris L. Shaw, 18, of Columbia. The suspect was charged with two counts of first-degree assault, one count of endangering the welfare of a child in the second-degree, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon. Two vehicles were involved. The suspect fired shots from their vehicle into another while on the road. CPD currently believe that this was not a random shooting and the individuals involved knew one another. This is an active investigation as detectives and patrol officers continue to follow up on additional leads and seek additional suspects.
September 4, 2019
PATROL MAKES DRUG BUST IN CALLAWAY COUNTY
The highway patrol arrested two men, both of Winston-Salem, North Carolina at 6:35 Monday evening after the driver was stopped for tailgating on I-70 in Callaway County. According to the report, two pounds of marijuana, approximately $5700 in cash and a stolen handgun was recovered. Jonathon L. Kinzer, 32, and 32 year old Joshua Worrell were arrested during the traffic stop near the Highway 54 interchange in Kingdom City. The Callaway County Sheriff’s Department K-9 unit assisted the patrol with that stop.
LABOR DAY WEEKEND RESULTED IN 5 DEATHS STATEWIDE
The patrol reports five people died during the 2019 Labor Day Holiday Counting period. Across the state, 309 accidents, 107 injuries, 4 traffic fatalities, 116 DWI arrests and 95 drug arrests were reported. In addition, there were 13 boat crashes, four injuries, one drowning, 10 BWI arrests and 16 drug related arrests on Missouri’s waterways. Last year there were 11 deaths during the counting period.
MAN BREAKS OUT OF MERCER COUNTY JAIL … TWICE!
While details regarding the first jail break were not readily available, 27 year old Drake A. Kately of Princeton broke out of the Mercer County jail again this past week. KTVO and KTVO dot com reports he tore a hole in the back wall of his cell with a wooden board that he somehow obtained according to authorities. The back wall of the cell is made of a heavy screen like material and the inmate bored a hole through that material with the board. That hole allowed Kately to enter the basement of the jail and escape through the basement door. Mercer County Sheriff Steven Stockman isn’t sure how or where he obtained the board. He said he was discovered missing during regular cell checks. Authorities believe he may have headed to Kansas City. He’s described as being a white male, 6’1””, slim build and tall, weighing about 165 pounds. In August he was charged with felony escape for the first jail break. He was originally being held on 1st degree assault and unlawful possession of a firearm, plus other misdemeanor charges. Anyone who has information that may aid in the search is asked to contact the nearest law enforcement agency or contact the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department. That number is 660-748-3165.
SCAM ALERT
Randolph County Sheriff Mark Nichols warns citizens of the Social Security Scam currently taking place. Sheriff Nichols advises that the victim will receive an automated call advising that criminal or suspicious activity has been detected on your Social Security account. The scammers will provide a number to call or request that you press button #1 and be connected to an agent. A fictitious agent will get on the phone and attempt to get the victim to pay an amount of money back to the Social Security Administration to keep from being arrested. THESE
ARE SCAMS. Hang up the phone, do not send money, do not give personal information such as date of birth, social security numbers or bank account numbers. If you continue to receive calls from these scammers, try to obtain a phone number and contact authorities.
September 3, 2019
PATCHING CONTINUES FOR ROUTES IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Weather permitting, MoDOT will be doing pavement maintenance on the following routes in Montgomery County.
Montgomery County Route CC - Sept. 3-6, the road will be reduced to one lane traffic from Missouri Route 161 to Montgomery County Route A for patching operations from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. that day.
Interstate 70 North Outer Road (Booneslick Road) – Sept. 9, the road will be reduced to one lane traffic from Missouri Route 10 to Missouri Route 161 for patching operations from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. that day.
Montgomery County Route K - Sept. 10-13, the road will be reduced to one lane traffic from Missouri Route 19 to the Callaway County Line for patching operations from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. that day.
Again, this work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled or delayed.
TWO PEOPLE SHOT ON I-70 IN COLUMBIA MONDAY NIGHT
Authorities are continuing to investigate after a reported shooting where two people were hurt Monday night. Boone County Joint Communications issued an alert shortly after 9 o’clock Monday night that said I-70 Drive Southwest is blocked between Beverly Drive and Spencer Avenue. Columbia PD shut down one eastbound lane of I-70 as well to investigate after two people were shot as they were driving eastbound. The two were taken to the hospital, but their injuries do not appear life threatening.
HOWARD COUNTY WRECK SUNDAY
Two people had moderate injuries due to a vehicle crash in Howard County on Sunday. According to the report, 20 year old Caleb M. Johnson was northbound on MO 5, one mile south of Fayette at 7:45 am when his auto crossed the center line, traveled off the roadway and struck a culvert. Both Johnson and a passenger, 29 year old Jeremy J. Fainter of Reed Springs, MO had moderate injuries and were taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
September 1, 2019
WOMAN INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A woman was injured in an accident that occurred at 6am Sunday in Franklin County. 46 year old Michelle Kidd of Pacific, MO was on Drake Lane when her car crossed the centerline, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. She was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of moderate injuries.
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH
A man was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash Saturday night in Jefferson County. The patrol says that 24 year old Garrett Krieg of Cedar Hill, MO was on Old Highway 21 when he attempted to make a left turn into a private parking lot and traveled into the path of a motorcycle ridden by 59 year old Stanley Fluegel of Arnold. Stanley Fluegel was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital South with serious injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN EARLY SATURDAY MORNING WRECK
A driver was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Saturday morning in Pike County. 22 year old Austin Brown of Curryville was on Highway Y when he became distracted with his cell phone, causing his car to run off the right side of the road before striking an embankment and overturning. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to Pike County Memorial Hospital for treatment.
August 30, 2019
COLUMBIA POLICE INVESTIGATE ANOTHER SHOOTING
Columbia Police responded to the 1000 block of Claudell Lane on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at approximately 7:50 p.m. for several reports of shots fired. A male victim with a gunshot wound was located on the scene by responding officers. That victim was transported to a local emergency room for medical treatment. On the scene, the injuries did not appear to be life-threatening. Officers began to investigate and discovered several vehicles were damaged by gunfire and located shell casings in the area. Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division were called in to assist patrol with the investigation. As officers and detectives were investigating this incident, they were able to locate and interview witnesses on the scene and at the hospital. Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or Crimestoppers at 573.875.TIPS to remain anonymous.
LIMITED ROAD CONSTRUCTION DURING LABOR DAY WEEKEND
The Missouri Department of Transportation will limit road construction on Labor Day weekend to accommodate holiday travel. Work on most construction projects that would impact travel lanes will stop at noon Friday, Aug. 30 and resume at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3. Lane and bridge closures already in place around the state will remain during the holiday and subsequent weekend. Be alert to sudden closures due to emergency situations and flooding. Even with limited work zones, MoDOT is urging motorists to use caution when traveling. Be alert and obey all posted speed limits. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, all available troopers will be patrolling Missouri’s roadways enforcing Missouri’s speed-limit, seat-belt and impaired-driving laws, in addition to being available to assist motorists. In Missouri, 11 people died and 470 were injured in 1,048 traffic crashes over the 2018 Labor Day holiday. Troopers arrested 113 people for driving while intoxicated. “Rain is in the forecast for parts of the state this weekend and flooding is still a possibility,” said MoDOT State Maintenance Director Natalie Roark. “Road conditions can change in an instant. Always be alert when driving and remember, Buckle Up Phone Down.” The good news is that the gas for your Labor Day trip may be the cheapest it has been in three years. According to AAA, today’s average is already nearly a quarter cheaper than during last year’s holiday and 4 cents cheaper than 2017’s Labor Day.
GRANT WILL ALLOW MODOT TO REPLACE 40 RURAL NORTHERN MISSOURI BRIDGES
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will be able to replace 40 bridges in northern Missouri as a result of an announcement by Congressman Sam Graves that Missouri has received a $20.7 million federal grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Competitive Highway Bridge Program. The bridges, all located north of I-70, are in poor condition, weight-restricted, supported by timber pile, and one-lane wide but carry two-way traffic. In addition to removing current detours and preventing future ones, the grant will help increase safety on the state’s rural roads and reduce costs associated with maintaining the bridges. Only 25 states were eligible to apply for the $225 million in the Competitive Highway Bridge Program – those with a population density of 100 or less per square mile. The grant also required bridges be bundled in a single contract. MoDOT intends to pursue a design-build contract to deliver this project. The Competitive Highway Bridge Program grant comes on the heels of an $81.2 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to build a new I-70 Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport. Receipt of the INFRA grant will also trigger $301 million in state bonding, authorized by the Missouri General Assembly during the 2019 legislative session, that will repair or replace another 215 bridges across the state.
August 29, 2019
ARREST MADE RELATED TO SHOOTING AT 101 NORTH STADIUM BLVD IN COLUMBIA ON MONDAY
Columbia Police arrested Dwayne Grays, 18, of Columbia on Wednesday, Aug. 28, for Unlawful Use of a Weapon in relation to shots fired call where a victim sustained an injury that was not life-threatening on Monday, Aug. 26. The victim and witnesses did not wish to share information with officers and detectives during the investigation. However, investigators were able to determine that the incident spawned from an argument during a meeting between Grays and the victim for the sale of a marijuana cartridge for a vaping unit. Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or Crimestoppers at 573.875.TIPS to remain anonymous.
SPRINGFIELD MO MOTORCYCLIST INJURED IN COOPER COUNTY CRASH
The highway patrol said a motorcyclist from Springfield, MO was seriously injured when the driver lost control on a Cooper County highway on Wednesday. According to the report, 51 year old Glen Hickey of Springfield was northbound on MO Highway 5, just north of Mile Corner Road and lost control of his motorcycle when another northbound auto driven by 65 year old Bruce A. Fagerstrom of Urbandale, IA stopped for a pedestrian near the roadway. Hickey was ejected from the motorcycle when it struck the rear of the Fagerstrom auto. The patrol said Hickey was flown by helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment. That crash occurred shortly before 5 o’clock Wednesday
HANNIBAL WOMAN ARRESTED IN MARION COUNT Y
The patrol arrested Kimberly Gottman, 46, of Hannibal at 2:20 Wednesday afternoon in Marion County. Gottman was arrested on a number of charges including a felony fugitive from out of State warrant from Adams County, Illinois. A Marion County warrant for no insurance, a Marion County warrant for Driving While Revoked, a Marion County warrant for speeding, a Ralls County Warrant for Driving while suspended or revoked, and a Palmyra Police Department warrant for Driving while suspended or revoked. She was being held at the Marion County Jail at last report.
August 28, 2019
MOSCOW MILLS BRIDGE AVAILABLE FOR REUSE
The Moscow Mills Bridge, located at the end of County Road 814 in Lincoln County, will be impacted by highway improvements in the future, and because it is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, local governments, historical societies or other interested groups may have the opportunity to obtain the bridge for adaptive reuse purposes. Karen Daniels, with the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Historic Preservation Department, said the bridge was built in 1885 over the Cuivre River by Raymond and Campbell. The bridge is 215 feet long and is comprised of 177 feet pin-connected Pratt through trusses two girder approach spans. MoDOT’s Historic Preservation Sections is now accepting proposals for the relocation and reuse of the bridge or its components until January 31, 2020. More information about this bridge, and proposal guidance, may be found online at http://www.modot.org/freebridges/.
HIGHWAY PATROL WANTS YOU TO PLAN A SAFE LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages everyone to plan for a safe 2019 Labor Day weekend. It's everyone's responsibility to operate both vehicles and vessels safely and observe all Missouri laws. Incorporating safety into your weekend plan--choosing your route, making sure your equipment is in good working condition, being aware of and following Missouri's traffic and boating laws, driving your vehicle or vessel courteously, wearing a seat belt or a life jacket--helps ensure a safer Labor Day weekend for everyone. In Missouri, 11 people died and 470 were injured in 1,048 traffic crashes over the 2018 Labor Day holiday. That means one person was killed or injured every 9.7 minutes. This years counting period runs from 6 p.m., Friday, August 30, through 11:59 p.m., Monday, September 2, 2019. The Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort) over the Labor Day holiday weekend. Speed, inattention, and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. Thus, all available troopers will be patrolling Missouri’s roadways enforcing Missouri’s speed limit, seat belt, and impaired driving laws, in addition to being available to assist motorists. Remember, the only 100 percent survivable traffic crash is the one that never happens. The Labor Day holiday is also a busy boating weekend. In 2018, there were seven boating crashes which included three injuries, but no fatalities, and thankfully no drownings over last year's Labor Day holiday. All available marine enforcement troopers will be working to make our waterways safer during the holiday weekend. Missouri’s boaters are asked to do their part by remaining alert for other boats and swimmers, and being courteous on the water. With more boats on the water, it is even more important to pay attention.
DEPARTMENT OFFICIALLY CHANGES NAME TO THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND INSURANCE
During his January 2019 State of the State address, Governor Mike Parson announced his intention to issue executive orders for the purpose of improving economic and workforce development in Missouri. One of those executive orders called for some shifts to better align policy areas in state agencies and to change the name of the Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration (DIFP) to the Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI). The Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Office of the Public Counsel (OPC) were moved from the Department of Economic Development to the newly named Department of Commerce and Insurance. These changes became effective today. This move was needed in order to have similar regulatory functions under one department umbrella. The Public Service Commission and the Office of the Public Counsel will join the existing regulatory divisions of DCI which include Insurance, Finance, Credit Unions and Professional Registration.
August 27, 2019
FLASH FLOODING HAS CLOSED SOME ROUTES AROUND THE AREA
UPDATE TO THE RECENT CLOSURES:
- Montgomery Route K and Y are now open
- Warren County Route TT is one lane
- Montgomery County Route J is closed at MO 19
- Warren County Route D is still closed.
Due to the rain overnight and this morning, some flash flooding has affected routes around the area. Routes that are currently closed due to flooding are:
- Mongomery County Route K
- Montgomery County Route Y (near Missouri Route 19)
- Warren County Route D
Remember that conditions can change at any time. Please be aware of your surroundings and never drive through high water. Always find another route.
VEHICLE TRAVELS OVER TOP OF PREVIOUS VEHICLE THAT SUNK IN GROUND IN CALLAWAY COUNTY
The patrol investigated an unusual accident in Callaway County shortly after 8:30 Monday morning. According to the report, the incident happened on Route K, 1 mile south of County Road 193 when 46 year old Jason D. Powers of Fulton was traveling eastbound. The patrol said the roadway gave way due to flooding and the Powers vehicle traveled over the top of a previous vehicle that had sunk into the ground. Powers had minor damage and was transported to St. Mary’s in Jeff City by Audrain County EMS.
COLUMBIA POLICE INVESTIGATE SHOOTING ON NORTH STADIUM
The Columbia Police Department received a call Monday afternoon at approximately 3:41 p.m. for a report of a possible robbery where someone was also shot at 101 N. Stadium Blvd. Officers arrived and located a male with a gunshot wound to his right leg. The man was treated on the scene and transported to a local hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. Officers and detectives had a difficult time during the investigation as the victim and witnesses did not wish to share much information. Detectives and patrol officers were able to determine that the gunshot victim agreed to meet the suspect in the parking lot of the Shoppes at Stadium to sell a marijuana cartridge for a vaping unit. During the exchange an argument ensued and the suspect (buyer) displayed a handgun and shot the victim (seller) in the leg. The victim did not wish to share information with CPD and signed a document stating he would decline any prosecution. There is no suspect information to share.
COLUMBIA PD RESPONDS TO SHOTS FIRED WHERE CHILDREN HAD BEEN PLAYING MONDAY
Officers with the Columbia Police Department responded to a report of shots fired Monday, at 5:52 p.m. in the 1500 block of Typhoon Court. Officers located approximately eight shell casings in the street. There were no reported injuries and there was no suspect or suspect vehicle information to share currently. "This evening, shots were fired in north Columbia on a street where children had just been playing outside. For those who choose to invoke fear and victimize other people, we will continue to pursue you with the full resources of the City, County and Federal government," Columbia Police Chief Geoff Jones said. "If you know who was involved, we need your help. Please call Columbia Police or Crimestoppers at the phone numbers below or talk to one of our officers." Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or Crimestoppers at 573.875.TIPS to remain anonymous.
August 26, 2019
FLASH FLOODING HAS CLOSED SOME ROUTES AROUND THE AREA
Due to the rain overnight and this morning, some flash flooding has affected routes around the area. Routes that are currently closed due to flooding are:
- Mongomery County Route K
- Montgomery County Route Y (near Missouri Route 19)
- Warren County Route D
Remember that conditions can change at any time. Please be aware of your surroundings and never drive through high water. Always find another route.
TEEN INJURED IN SUNDAY MORNING ACCIDENT
A Florissant teen was injured in an accident that occurred at around 10:10am Sunday in St. Charles County. The patrol says that 19 year old Iyahna Allen was eastbound on I-70 when she attempted to merge and lost control of her car and it spun and struck the concrete barrier multiple times. She was transported by ambulance to St. Joseph East Hospital in St. Charles for treatment of moderate injuries.
WOMAN HURT IN WRECK
A woman was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Sunday night in Cooper County. 23 year old Amanda Keeney of Topeka, KS was westbound on I-70 when she lost control of her car due to water on the road and it ran into the median and impacted the median cable. She sustained minor injuries and was taken to Pinnacle Regional Hospital for treatment.
Weekend Report- Aug. 24-25, 2019
TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN CALLAWAY COUNTY WRECK
A Fulton teen was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday night in Callaway County. 17 year old Kalyn Davis was on Route J when her Jeep Grand Cherokee traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a ditch and became airborne, upon landing it began rolling over, causing her to be ejected from the Jeep. She was transported by Staff for Life to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
TWO INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN UTV ACCIDENT
Two people were injured, one seriously in an accident that occurred at 9:30pm Saturday in Callaway County. The patrol says that 53 year old Paul Clark of St. Peters and his passenger 45 year old Bettye Penifold of St. Ann were riding an UTV on Highway CC when he lost control on a trail and rolled down a hill. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries while she was treated and released for minor injuries.
MAN HURT IN EARLY SATURDAY MORNING CRASH
A man was hurt in an early Saturday morning crash in Miller County. 26 year old Michael Daniels of Eldon was on Route W when his car ran off the right side of the road, he overcorrected, returned to the roadway, ran off the left side of the road, struck a tree and a utility pole. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach for treatment.
August 23, 2019
DEADLINE FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TO FLOODED FARMS APPROACHING
Next Friday, August 30th is the first regular season football game for high school football fans. It’s also the deadline for farmers affected by flooding.
Farmers have until Aug. 30 to apply for help from USDA emergency assistance programs, says University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Heather Conrow. The USDA Farm Service Agency provides up to 75% of approved renovation costs, to a maximum of $500,000, through its Emergency Conservation Program, says Conrow, who was part of a team of MU Extension specialists and USDA representatives that recently presented four workshops in areas affected by Missouri River flooding this spring. Through emergency funding and technical assistance, FSA helps farmers and ranchers renovate farmland after flood and drought. Special rules apply to socially disadvantaged producers. The program does not help with sand removal under 6 inches or projects costing less than $1,000. County FSA committees determine eligibility through on-site inspections. They cover commercial farming, ranching and orchard operations; nursery stock and Christmas tree farms,;livestock grazing areas; and conservation structures such as waterways, terraces, diversions and windbreaks. Before beginning any work, visit with FSA and Natural Resources Conservation Service representatives in county offices. FSA representatives must perform on-site inspections before any cleanup begins. Take photos to document damage. Most of all, do not begin any work below the “plow zone” until after an FSA visit. The NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWPP) helps groups with a common problem. Cities, counties, general improvement districts or conservation districts may be eligible. EWPP covers up to 75% of construction costs for most restoration efforts, including levee repair, logjam removal, streambank stabilization near roads and sediment removal from drainage districts. EWPP projects must reduce threats to life and property. The program also purchases floodplain easements. For more information, contact the NRCS state conservation engineer at 573-876-0910 or visit your local NRCS office.
AUDITOR RECOMMENDS LEGISLATORS CHANGE LAW TO END GIVEAWAYS TO BUSINESSES FOR PAYING SALES TAX ON TIME
Missouri offers millions to big businesses for making timely payments on their sales taxes, something these retailers are already required to do under the law. That was one of the findings in an audit released by State Auditor Nicole Galloway on the collection of sales and use tax for fiscal year 2018.
"Missourians have no idea that hundreds of millions of their tax dollars are funneled to corporations for simply doing what the law already requires," Auditor Galloway said. "As I have done before, I am urging legislators to change the law to limit the discount that benefits the state's largest retailers. The state must do a better job determining which policies are working and which aren't."
The audit also said the 2% discount given to retailers for paying the sales and use tax they owe on time is the second-most generous such discount in the country. In fiscal year 2018, approximately $124 million in sales and use tax was paid by taxpayers, but then retained by businesses due to the discount.
The audit also found the Department of Revenue (DOR) can't determine the impact of more than 200 sales and use tax exemptions on state and local revenue because the majority of exemptions aren't tracked. The state has 214 sales and use tax exemptions, but only tracks the fiscal impact of three of them. This makes it difficult to know their actual fiscal impact and leaves the legislature unable to make informed decisions about the effectiveness and cost of the untracked exemptions.
Auditor Galloway raised similar concerns during her Budget Integrity Series. A 2017 audit found legislative giveaways were undermining the state's fiscal health and recommended changes to state law to ensure accurate tracking of their impact.
The complete audit can be found here.
PATROL PROVIDES SYNOPSIS OF NEW LAWS RELATED TO CRIME & TRAFFIC SAFETY
The purpose the synopsis is intended to make the public aware of some of the new legislation enacted by the Missouri General Assembly which is related to crime and motor vehicles. The listed legislation has been signed into law. Unless otherwise noted, these laws will go into effect August 28, 2019. The Patrol wishes to make the public aware of several of these new laws or changes to increase public awareness and education. For a complete description of these newly enacted laws, visit the Missouri House of Representatives or Missouri Senate websites.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES LEGISLATION
HB 243/544 -- VICTIMS OF CERTAIN OFFENSES
This bill provides that a person who is, has been, or is in imminent danger of becoming a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking shall not be denied tenancy, be evicted from the premises, or in violation of a lease agreement on the basis of or as a direct result of being such a victim.
This bill also modifies the language regarding when a person commits the offense of nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images (Section 573.110 RSMo.).
HB 355 -- OFFENSES INVOLVING CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
FACILITIES
A section of this bill creates new criminal offenses involving critical infrastructure facilities, as such term is defined in the bill. A person commits the offense of trespass on a critical infrastructure facility if he or she purposefully trespasses or enters property containing a critical infrastructure facility without permission. The offense of trespass on a critical infrastructure facility is a class B misdemeanor. If it is determined that the intent of the trespasser is to damage, destroy, or tamper with equipment, or impede, or inhibit operations of the facility, the person shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor. A person commits the offense of damage of a critical infrastructure facility if he or she damages, destroys, or tampers with equipment in a critical infrastructure facility. The offense of damage of a critical infrastructure facility is a class D felony.
The provisions of this bill do not apply to conduct protected under the Constitution of the United States, the Missouri Constitution, or any state or federal law or rule (Section 569.086 RSMo.).
HB 397 -- PROTECTION OF CHILDREN
(5) Allows the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to reject applications for childcare facilities if they are located within 1,000 feet of residences, care facilities, hospitals, or other places housing sex offenders. It also provides that a patient of a hospital or long-term care facility is not considered a resident for purposes of locating childcare facilities near the residence of a registered sexual offender (Sections 210.221 and 566.147 RSMo.).
(9) Requires the Amber Alert System Oversight Committee to meet at least annually to discuss potential improvements to the Amber Alert System. Amber Alerts issued in Missouri may include an embedded URL, which references a resource online that provides additional information or technological capabilities. The bill establishes "Hailey's Law," which requires the Amber Alert System to be integrated into the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System (MULES) to expedite the reporting of child abductions (Section 210.1014 RSMo.).
HB 499 -- RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION
The bill increases specified motor vehicle and trailer registration fees under Section 136.055 RSMo. The fees are increased as follows: (1) Licenses increase from $3.50 to $6 for annual and from $7 to $12 for biennial; (2) Transfer of title increases from $2.50 to $6; (3) Instruction permits, nondriver's, chauffeur's, operator's, and driver's licenses increase from $2.50 to $6; (4) Notice of lien processing increases from $2.50 to $6; and (5) Notary fee or electronic transmission per processing from $0 to $2.
This bill changes the due date for a payable annual registration fee for recreational trailers to December and defers any fee due in December 2019 to May 2020. Recreational trailers are defined in the bill (Sections 301.010 and 301.067 RSMo.).
This bill states if a person's license has been revoked because of a refusal to submit to a chemical test, the case may be assigned to a traffic judge.
This bill requires the director of the Department of Revenue to revoke a driver's license upon notification by a law enforcement officer that an individual was involved in a physical crash where his or her negligence contributed to his or her vehicle striking a worker or highway worker, as defined in the bill, within a properly designated construction or work zone, or substantially contributed to his or her vehicle striking an emergency responder within a properly designated active emergency zone. Required notice of the revocation shall be deemed received by the driver three days after mailing unless returned by the postal authorities.
HB 604 -- PREVENTION OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT IN SCHOOLS
This bill requires disclosure between school districts about a former employee when requested, specifically regarding any confirmed violation of a board policy related to abusive behavior toward a student. Additionally, any school, before offering employment, must contact the district or charter school that previously employed the prospective hire and request information.
This bill defines a "screened volunteer" and requires a criminal background check to be conducted on any screened volunteer before they are left alone with a student or have access to student records.
This bill requires that schools provide trauma-informed, developmentally-appropriate sexual abuse training to students in grades six and higher. The training will be developed by DESE.
This bill adds school personnel, contractors, and volunteers that establish relationships through a school or school activity to the definition of those responsible for the care, custody, and control of a child for certain sections of statutes relating to child abuse as outlined in the bill (Sections 162.068, 162.203, 168.133, 170.045, and 210.110 RSMo.).
HB 694 -- RAP BACK
This bill allows qualified entities, under certain circumstances, to receive updated information related to an individual's criminal history as part of the Missouri Rap Back Program as well as the National Rap Back Program. The Missouri program includes automatic notifications made by the Missouri State Highway Patrol about whether an individual, specifically an applicant who is employed, licensed, or otherwise under the purview of the entity, has been arrested for a reported criminal offense in the state.
The bill specifies what qualified entities are required to do before having access to the national and state programs, and it specifies the limited circumstances in which individuals' criminal history information may be used. An applicant must give consent to the qualified entity before that entity may access the applicant's fingerprints and criminal history information. Missouri circuit courts and the Department of Social Services may require fingerprinting for applicants applying to adopt or to serve as guardian, conservator, or as another type of personal representative and the fingerprint-based record check will be forwarded to the Missouri State Highway Patrol to be used to search the criminal history repository. The fingerprints will be sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national background check.
Finally, this bill extends the surcharge assessed against all criminal cases, filed in a circuit court, in which the defendant is found guilty of a felony from August 2019 until August 2029. The money from this surcharge goes into the DNA Profiling Analysis Fund.
This bill contains an emergency clause and became effective upon the governor's signature on June 6, 2019.
HB 812 & HB 832 -- MEMORIAL HIGHWAYS
This bill designates a portion of U.S. Highway 50 in Johnson County from Business 50 east to the interchange with PCA Road as the "Trooper John N. Greim Memorial Highway."
The bill designates a portion of State Highway 33 from State Highway A continuing to South Street in Clinton County as the "Trooper Fred L. Walker Memorial Highway."
HB 898 -- SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATE
This bill creates a "Back the Blue" license plate, which will be available for a $10 contribution to the Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation and a $15 fee in addition to normal registration costs. The Missouri Department of Revenue may specify the design in accordance with statutory criteria and may enact rules for the program.
HB 926 -- DEALER LICENSE PLATES
This bill allows use of specified motor vehicle dealer license plates on cars used by customers while their vehicles are being serviced or repaired by the motor vehicle dealer.
SCS/SB 1 -- EXPUNGEMENT
This act removes the following crimes from the list of crimes where expungement is not currently available: property damage in the first degree, stealing, possession of a forging instrumentality, and fraudulent use of a credit device or debit device.
SB 30 -- FAILURE TO WEAR SEAT BELT
This act provides that in actions arising out of the design, construction, manufacture, distribution, or sale of a motor vehicle factory equipped with a safety belt, failure to wear a safety belt by the plaintiff shall be admissible as evidence of comparative negligence or fault, causation, absence of a defect or hazard, and failure to mitigate damages. This act has an effective date of January 1, 2020.
SB 89 -- RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
VEHICLE INSPECTIONS (Sections 301.020, 301.191, and 307.350 RSMo.)
Currently, the Department of Revenue collects odometer information for motor vehicles five years old or less, and retains this information for a period of five years. This act modifies this requirement to specify that the DOR shall collect odometer information for motor vehicles aged 10 years or less with fewer than 150,000 miles on the odometer, and retain the information for a period of 10 years (Section 301.020 RSMo.).
The act also modifies homemade trailer inspection requirements by making the requirement applicable to all homemade trailers, rather than only to homemade trailers over 16 feet in length, and by raising the inspection fee from $10 to $25 (Section 301.191 RSMo.).
Currently, motor vehicles are exempt from biennial mechanical inspection requirements for a period of five years following their model year. This act instead exempts motor vehicles for a period of 10 years following their model year, provided the vehicle has fewer than 150,000 miles on the odometer (Section 307.350 RSMo.).
COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSES (Sections 302.170, 302.720, and
302.768 RSMo.)
This act adds test score documents from Missouri commercial third-party tester examiners to an exemption from the prohibition against retaining certain driver's license application materials (Section 302.170.3(2) RSMo.). The act specifies that skills and written test waiver documents may be retained for commercial driver's instruction permits in addition to commercial driver's license applicants (Section 302.170.3(5) RSMo.).
The act provides that commercial driver instruction permits shall be nonrenewable, and lengthens, from six months to one year the period for which the permits are valid. This act increases from $5 to $10 the fee for a commercial driver instruction permit, and specifies that the fee for a duplicate shall be $5. This act also repeals a provision allowing for the issuance of a 30-day commercial driver instruction permit (Section 302.720.1 RSMo.).
The act specifies that applicants for a commercial driver license shall complete an entry-level driver training program as required under federal law (Section 302.720.2 RSMo.).
The director of revenue currently has the authority to waive the driving skills test for a commercial driver license for qualified military applicants. This act allows the director of revenue to also waive the written test, and to waive the skills and written tests for commercial driver's instruction permits. The act repeals the list of specific requirements an applicant must certify he or she meets, and specifies that the applicant shall meet all federal and state qualifications and shall be required to complete applicable tests that are not waived (Section 302.720.2(5) RSMo.).
Beginning December 1, 2019, the Department of Revenue shall certify as a third-party tester any private education institution or other private entity, provided the necessary qualifications are met (Section 302.720.6 RSMo.).
This act provides for the use of an electronic verification system, approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, to receive medical examiner's certificates for commercial driver license issuance (Section 302.768.3 RSMo.).
CRASHES OCCURRING IN WORK OR EMERGENCY ZONES
(Sections 304.580, 304.585, and 304.894 RSMo.)
This act requires the director of the Department of Revenue to revoke a driver's license upon notification by a law enforcement officer that an individual was involved in a physical crash where his or her negligence contributed to his or her vehicle striking a worker or highway worker, as defined in the act, within a properly designated construction or work zone (Section 304.585 RSMo.), or substantially contributed to his or her vehicle striking an emergency responder within a properly designated active emergency zone (Section 304.894 RSMo.). The department shall base its determination of these facts on the report of the law enforcement officer investigating the incident, and its determination shall be final except as specified in the act. Required notice of the revocation shall be deemed received by the driver three days after mailing unless returned by the postal authorities. The notice shall clearly state the reason and statutory grounds for the revocation, the effective date of the revocation, the right to request a hearing, and the date by which the request must be made. The revocation shall be effective not sooner than 15 days from the department's order.
Individuals who received notice of driver's license revocation may apply for immediate reinstatement by retaking and passing the written and driving portions of the driver's examination, or may petition the circuit court in the county in which the crash occurred. The revocation may be stayed pending the outcome of the case, as specified in the act. The county prosecutor shall act on behalf of the
director of the Department of Revenue at the hearing. The hearing shall determine only whether the person was involved in a highway crash when a worker or emergency responder was hit, whether applicable guidelines for notice and signage were properly implemented, and whether the investigating officer had probable cause to believe the person's negligence contributed to the vehicle striking a highway worker or substantially contributed to the vehicle striking an emergency responder. If the court determines any of these conditions to not be satisfied, the court shall order the director to reinstate the individual's license.
Administrative rulings and any related evidence used to reinstate a license under these provisions shall not be subject to subpoena or otherwise discoverable in any administrative, civil, or criminal case
August 22, 2019
CITY OF COLUMBIA ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
The Columbia City Clerk’s Office is accepting applications for boards and commissions. Boards and commissions are a way for residents to be involved in local government and to represent the voices of their fellow community members. Applications must be received by the City Clerk’s Office, 701 E. Broadway, second floor, by 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6. Applications are available at the Clerk’s Office or on the City’s website at CoMo.gov on the City Council page as well as a listing of current boards and commissions openings.
FLOOD RECOVERY ADVISORY WORKING GROUP TO HOLD FIRST MEETING AUGUST 27TH
The Flood Recovery Advisory Working Group will hold its first meeting on Tuesday, August 27, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. in the Lewis and Clark State Office Building, 1101 Riverside Drive, Jefferson City. Governor Parson is scheduled to speak at the meeting, which is open to the public. Governor Parson signed Executive Order 19-14 on July 18 to establish the working group. The Departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture will convene the working group, designate a chairperson, and provide staff support and assistance. “The purpose of the Flood Recovery Advisory Working Group is to provide input on the state’s short-, medium- and long-term flood recovery priorities and feedback on the state’s current levee system with suggested changes to benefit Missouri and its citizens,” Department of Natural Resources Deputy Director Dru Buntin said. “The group also will identify areas where attention is needed and provide input on priorities for allocation of state funding as we recover from this year’s flooding.” In addition to addressing short-term repairs to levees, the working group will also explore options to improve the conveyance of floodwater through our major rivers. Members of the Flood Recovery Advisory Working Group include the Departments of Natural Resources, Agriculture, Economic Development, Transportation, and the State Emergency Management Agency. Representatives from the Missouri Levee and Drainage District Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Soybean Association, Coalition to Protect the Missouri River, and the Missouri and Associated Rivers Coalition are members as well. Four additional members have been appointed – two representing agri-business and two representing local government interests. Governor Parson may appoint other members. The Executive Order directs the working group to submit an initial report to the Governor with findings and suggestions by December 31, 2019, with a final report due May 31, 2020.
GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES SPECIAL SESSION TO ADDRESS MOTOR VEHICLE SALES TAX ALLOWANCES
Wednesday, Governor Mike Parson announced a special session beginning September 9, 2019, that will run concurrently with the veto session. The special session will focus on amending a state statute to allow the sales proceeds of more than one vehicle, trailer, boat, or outboard motor to be used as a credit against the sales tax owed on the purchase of another. The Missouri Supreme Court recently clarified that the sales proceeds of only one vehicle may be used as a credit against the sales tax owed on the purchase of a new vehicle. The legislature may amend the state law during special session to allow for the sale of multiple vehicles to be used as a credit, in line with the Department of Revenue's prior practice and what consumers have come to expect.
August 21, 2019
CENTRALIA AND BOONVILLE DRIVERS INVOLVED IN CRASH ON INTERSTATE 70
Authorities reported a crash on Interstate 70 eastbound at the 122 mile marker just before 5 PM Tuesday. 24 year old Jennifer Connell of Centralia was slowing for traffic congestion and was struck by another eastbound vehicle driven by 57 year old Maureen Pomeroy of Boonville. Pomeroy had minor injuries and was transported to University Hospital for treatment.
THREE QUINCY RESIDENTS HOSPITALIZED AFTER CRASH ATTEMPTING TO FLEE LAW ENFORCEMENT
Three people from Quincy wound up hospitalized when they attempted to flee law enforcement Tuesday night. According to the patrol, Makynzie Z. Campbell, 20, of Quincy was behind the wheel and was fleeing westbound on US 24 in Ralls County and attempted to turn onto Route Z at Monroe City. The auto went off the roadway and became airborne and then struck the ground where it came to rest. Campbell was flown by Survival Flight to Blessing Hospital in Quincy. A passenger, 21 Megan Winner of Quincy also had moderate injuries and was flown by Air Evac to Blessing Hospital and another passenger identified as 24 year old Darius Lilly of Quincy was transported by Monroe City Ambulance to Blessing Hospital in Quincy. Several agencies were at the crash scene investigating and providing assistance. Authorities have not released anything else about this crash. The patrol also has not indicated in the report as to why the three were fleeing law enforcement.
MOBERLY WATER REPAIRS
Water service in Moberly will be interrupted today for maintenance and repairs. The area’s affected include the 100 and 200 blocks of Bentley, All of Wendell Lane and the 300, 400 and 500 blocks of east Rollins. Once service is restored, there will be a 48 hour boil order. One other area of Moberly that will be under a boil order once service is restored is the 200 block of North 4th, the 200 block of North 5th and the 400 block of West Coates street in Moberly as service to that area will also be interrupted today.
August 20, 2019
TWO INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN EARLY TUESDAY MORNING ACCIDENT
Two drivers were injured, one seriously in an accident that occurred at 4:15am Tuesday in Jefferson County. The patrol says that 52 year old Frank Cramer of Festus was southbound on I-55 when he began to slow for a crash ahead that was partially blocking the roadway when his semi was struck in the rear by a truck driven by 21 year old Tyler Jekel Plaggenburg of High Ridge. Frank Cramer was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital South for treatment of moderate injuries, while Plaggenburg was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
MAN HURT IN CALLAWAY COUNTY WRECK
A Montgomery City man was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Monday night in Callaway County. 26 year old Andrew Harrison was on Route A when he failed to negotiate a left curve, causing his car to travel off the right side of the road and struck an embankment. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries.
WOMAN KILLED IN MONDAY NIGHT CRASH
A woman was killed in a Monday night crash in Morgan County. 21 year old Alexis Wilson of Mansfield, MO was on MO 52 when her car ran off the right side of the road, she overcorrected and it began skidding and sliding, traveled off the right side of the roadway again and struck a tree. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
August 19, 2019
COLUMBIA POLICE PROVIDE UPDATE AND AGAIN ASK FOR HELP REGARDING INFANT REMAINS
On Friday, Aug. 16, the Columbia Police Department provided an update regarding human remains believed to be an infant found Thursday, Aug. 15 in the 1900 block of N. Providence Road. Assistant Police Chief Jeremiah Hunter released the following information:
- An autopsy Friday morning could not determine the cause of death, age, sex, or how long the baby has been deceased.
- It is still believed the baby is less than one year of age.
- Specialists, such as an anthropologist, will now assist in trying to answer the above questions.
- Employees of McKnight Tire and Auto found the baby’s remains.
- Leads are being received and actively investigated.
- Detective and patrol officers are working continuously to find the identity of the baby.
- We need the community's continued assistance to share any leads that might help identify this baby.
If you know of a child under the age of one who has not been seen for a period of time or if you have any information which you think could be helpful, we ask you to call. Please call the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7423 to leave a message for detectives or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS to remain anonymous.
MOBERLY WOMAN TREATED FOR MODERATE INJURIES AFTER SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH
A Moberly woman, 22 year old Cairo J. Davis was southbound on East Depot Street in Huntsville around 10:50 Saturday morning when her auto ran off the right side of the roadway and overturned. She was transported to Moberly Regional Medical Center for treatment of moderate injuries.
VEHICLE CATCHES FIRE AFTER GOING OFF ROAD AND STRIKING A FENCE
16 year old Matthew S. Gerding of Maywood, MO received minor injuries after his vehicle ran off the side of MO 168, 2 miles west of Palmyra just before 4 PM Sunday. The patrol said Gerding’s auto went off the right side of the road, struck a fence and caught fire. Gerding was treated at Hannibal Ambulatory Care Center in Hannibal.
Weekend Report- Aug. 17-18, 2019
TWO INJURED IN ATV ACCIDENT
Two people were injured in an ATV accident that occurred at 4:05pm Saturday in Gasconade County. 25 year old Kaily Forthaus of St. Louis and her passenger 24 year old Blake Duke of St. Charles were riding an ATV on Tea Road when it traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. Both were taken to Mercy Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
GIRL HURT IN COLE COUNTY CRASH
A girl was hurt in a Friday night crash in Cole County. The patrol says that 8 year old Journey Moses of Jefferson City was riding her bicycle on a private drive when she entered Randall Drive and ran into the right side of a car. She was taken to SSM Health St. Mary’s for treatment of minor injuries.
FULTON DRIVER HURT IN FRIDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
A Fulton driver was hurt in a two-vehicle wreck Friday afternoon in Callaway County. 67 year old Susan Elliott was on Route J and slowed down to make a left turn when the car was rear-ended by a dump truck driven by 51 year old Joseph McElyea of Steedman. Susan Elliott sustained minor injuries and was transported to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
August 16, 2019
MONTGOMERY CITY WOMAN INJURED IN CALLAWAY COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Montgomery City woman was injured in an accident that occurred at 12:55pm Thursday in Callaway County. The patrol says that 63 year old Patricia Barnes was on US 54 when she overcorrected and turned to the right to avoid another vehicle which caused it to travel off the right side of the roadway and overturn. She was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.
MAN HURT IN THURSDAY NIGHT WRECK
A Villa Ridge man was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Thursday night in St. Louis County. 24 year old Anthony Tisdale was westbound on I-44 when he lost control of his car and it ran off the right side of the road and overturned. He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital South for treatment.
POLICE ASKING FOR HELP IDENTIFING REMAINS OF BABY FOUND AUGUST 15TH
The Columbia Police Department gave a verbal statement to the media regarding human remains found Thursday in the 1900 block of North Providence Road. Assistant Police Chief Jeremiah Hunter issued the following statement: "The Columbia Police Department in Columbia, Missouri received a call approximately 11:40 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15, for a report of what appeared to be human remains in the 1900 block of N. Providence Road. Detectives arrived and determined the remains appeared to be a young infant of less than one year of age. As a parent myself, this is a very difficult situation for everyone involved, including the investigating officers and our community as a whole. Our investigation will be the voice of this baby and we need your help. If you know of a baby that has not been seen in a while we ask that you check on their well-being and contact us if you have information that could help this investigation. Please call the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7423 to leave a message or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS to remain anonymous. Hunter went on to say all of this information is preliminary. The cause of death has not yet been determined. We will release more information as it becomes available but we do not have any other information to share at this time. Again, we need your assistance to give us any leads that might help identify this baby."
August 15, 2019
MODOT NEWS
In an effort to better communicate how Missouri’s road and bridge revenues will be invested in the state’s infrastructure for the next five years, the Missouri Department of Transportation has created the “Missouri Road and Bridge Program.”
The new document is an abbreviated form of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) that was approved by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission last month. It is accompanied by a new interactive map that displays project information in a visual format by location. The map allows visitors to click on projects in locations statewide to get more information about the work planned in those areas. The Missouri Road and Bridge Program, as well as the entire STIP and the interactive map, can be found on the MoDOT website: www.modot.org.
NEW HISTORY MUSEUM IN SPRINGFIELD
After years of work and anticipation, a new history museum is open in Springfield, Missouri. Visitors to the new History Museum on the Square are transported into the rich tapestry of southwest Missouri’s history told through interactive exhibits, video and photography and a treasure trove of artifacts. The museum that opened Aug. 8 has more than 18,000-square-feet of space. There are three floors with eight dedicated spaces including a Welcome Center, six permanent galleries and traveling exhibit space.
The permanent galleries include:
- Native Crossroads at the Spring
- Trains, Trolleys and Transportation: Children’s Education Area
- Pioneers and Founders at the Crossroads
- The Civil War in Springfield
- Wild Bill Hickok and the American West; and
- Birthplace of Route 66
Highlights of the museum include a transportation gallery with a time machine built into a replica of a trolley car, an immersive reenactment chamber of the Hickok-Tutt confrontation, interactive touchscreen maps of Springfield comparing vintage photos to contemporary depictions, and a 66-foot-long timeline and map of the Iconic Mother Road. Perhaps one of the most dramatic features is a Frisco locomotive engine that literally emerges through the upper mezzanine wall.
Admission rates for the museum are $16 for adults; $13 for seniors (65-plus), students of any age with a valid ID, and members of the military and families; $10 for children ages 4-12; and free to those under the age of three. Groups of ten or more can be accommodated with 48-hours’ notice. For more information and to view an online library of digitized historic photos visit www.HistoryMuseumOnTheSquare.org.
August 14, 2019
PEDESTRIAN INJURED AFTER BEING STRUCK BY CAR
A pedestrian was injured after being struck by a car Tuesday night in Franklin County. The patrol says that 64 year old Bruce Smothers of Union was walking south on Route N when he was struck by a car driven by 46 year old Michelle Kidd of Union. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of moderate injuries.
COLUMBIA WOMAN HURT IN ST. CHARLES COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Columbia woman was hurt in an accident that occurred at 7:30am Tuesday in St. Charles County. 22 year old Erin Merrill was on Highway 370 and driving too fast for conditions when her vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway. She was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
2019-2020 MISSOURI OFFICIAL HIGHWAY MAP AVAILABLE AT STATE FAIR
The 2019-2020 Missouri Official Highway Map will be hot off the press and available at the Missouri State Fair thru Sunday.
Available free of charge, the map not only features all 33,838 miles of state-maintained routes, but also shows locations for public-use airports, hospitals, colleges and universities, national forests, state parks and conservation areas.
While many travelers rely on their smartphones or other GPS systems to get around, a lot of people don’t have these options. In fact, more than a million people have requested or picked up a printed Missouri highway map over the past two years. Among other advantages, the paper map allows them to plan their route without having to worry about cellphone coverage or data drops.
One new feature of note: Route 66 is now an official part of the U.S. National Bicycle Route System. This comes after years of work by the Missouri Bicycle & Pedestrian Federation, the Adventure Cycling Association, MoDOT and many local organizations and advocates along the route.
Other improvements to this edition include larger fonts and better color contrasts for users who may be visually impaired or have trouble with color recognition.
Two towns were added in this printing. They are Charmwood in Franklin County and Middlebrook in Iron County. The map also features the state’s highest elevation (Taum Sauk Mountain in Iron County) and lowest elevation (St. Francois River in Dunklin County).
A more detailed view of surrounding states has also been added. River locations and labeled counties with boundaries are now displayed on the eight states adjoining Missouri.
Around 1.35 million maps will be printed over the next two years, a 5% decrease from the previous printing. Anyone wishing to order a state map can call 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636). You can also go online at www.modot.org/official-state-highway-map.
August 13, 2019
MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY RESPONDS TO SHOTS FIRED CALL
On Saturday, August 10, 2019 at approximately 10:50PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the area of Union and Bolivar in reference to gunshots being fired. Responding personnel learned that three teens were walking in the area and were speaking to the occupants of a vehicle. As the groups went separate directions someone in the vehicle fired a gun. A nearby home and parked vehicle were hit. MPSD located two of the teenagers shortly after the event and have been speaking with them and their associates to determine what occurred. There were no injuries from the incident. Citizens with information about this or any other crime are asked to contact CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 392-TIPS or (800) 392-8477 or Mexico Public Safety at (573) 473-5800 or (573) 581-2100.
MEXICO ELECTRICAL FIRE CALL
On Friday, August 9, 2019 at approximately 9:14AM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1000 block of Michigan in reference to an electrical fire. Responding personnel learned that contractors had been working on a house when the power line coming into the home came into contact with some construction material and went to ground through some copper piping and other pathways. Some flammable materials in the home did begin to burn but they were removed and extinguished. Ameren responded and removed the electrical service from the house until repairs could be made. There was no fire damage and no injuries from the incident.
MODOT ISSUES ANOTHER EXTENSION OF WEIGHT ALLOWANCE
The Missouri Department of Transportation has announced another extension of an allowance for heavier-than-normal truckloads of rock, sand and gravel to travel on Missouri highways in flood relief and for levee and other public infrastructure flood repair. The waiver allows private and for-hire motor carriers to haul up to 10% more than their licensed weight on Missouri highways. The waiver remains in effect through Sept. 21. While the waiver is in effect, participating motor carriers are limited to:
- A loaded, gross weight no greater than 10% above the gross licensed weight of the commercial motor vehicle;
- Transportation of rock, sand and gravel only within the state of Missouri;
- Drivers must obey posted bridge weight limits;
- When crossing a bridge, the driver must restrict the vehicle speed to no more than 30 mph;
Travel under this allowance is only allowed on non-interstate highways. Those taking advantage of the weight allowance cannot operate on any portion of the interstate highway system.
BE ALERT FOR BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY CHALLENGES
As parents rejoice and students lament, schools are returning to session across the Show-Me State. Drivers are reminded to slow down and pay attention as more children will be on or near roadways, walking and bicycling to school or waiting for the bus. Also, with many of Missouri’s colleges and universities about to reopen, drivers could experience increased traffic on major highways over the next two weeks as students return to campus. Here are some back to school safe driving reminders:
For Drivers:
- Buckle Up Phone Down! These four words are never more important than during the school year. Looking away from the roadway to send a text message doubles the chance of being involved in a crash. Avoid using your cellphone or any other activity that might take attention away from the roadway. And set a good example for your young passengers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled in.
- Expect the unexpected! When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking or bicycling to school. Remember, children in groups or who are arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
- Do not pass! It is a state law that vehicles in both lanes must stop when a school bus has its red warning lights flashing and the stop sign is extended.
- Slow down! Watch for school zones where speed limits are reduced.
For Students:
Parents and caregivers should talk to children about bus stop and traffic safety rules. Here are a few tips:
- Always stay in sight of the bus driver! Make eye contact when possible. Assume drivers cannot see you and never walk behind a school bus.
- Don’t hurry off the bus! Make sure to check traffic first.
- Use sidewalks where available! If you must walk in the street, walk single file facing traffic.
- Be alert! Avoid using cellphones, ear buds and hand-held games as they can be a distraction.
- Use caution! When crossing a street—in a crosswalk or at a corner—look left, then right, then left again. Wait until all cars are stopped or the road is clear before stepping out—that means all cars in all lanes in all directions.
More information on school bus and pedestrian safety can be found at www.savemolives.com
August 12, 2019
TWO TEENS KILLED, THREE OTHERS INJURED IN SUNDAY NIGHT ACCIDENT
Two Troy teens were killed, while three others were injured in an accident that occurred at 10:40pm Sunday in Lincoln County. The patrol says that 16 year old Cole Butler of Moscow Mills was on Missouri Route 47 when his car traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. He sustained moderate injuries, while two passengers 17 year old Zachary Siebert of Troy sustained serious injuries and 17 year old Robert Templeton of Foristell suffered minor injuries. All three were transported by ambulance to St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis, meanwhile two other passengers were not as fortunate as 16 year old Brayden Hood and 16 year old Mario Montalvo were killed in that accident.
MAN INJURED IN LINCOLN COUNTY WRECK
A Winfield man was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Sunday morning in Lincoln County. 24 year old Brandon Creasy was on Hammett Road south of Highway 47 when his truck ran off the west side of the road, struck a utility pole and overturned. He was taken to St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment of moderate injuries.
WOMAN HURT IN CRASH
A woman was hurt in a Sunday night crash in St. Louis County. 30 year old Tiffany Alexander of House Springs was eastbound on I-44 and driving too fast for conditions when she lost control of her vehicle and it struck the concrete barrier. She sustained minor injuries and was taken to SSM Health St. Clare Hospital for treatment.
Weekend Report- Aug. 10-11, 2019
COLUMBIA MAN HURT IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Columbia man was hurt in an accident that occurred at 3pm Saturday in Montgomery County. The patrol says that 35 year old Shawn Rentchler was on the North Service Road just east of the Jonesburg exit when he suffered a medical emergency, causing his truck to travel off the right side of the roadway and into a field. He was transported by ambulance to St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment of minor injuries.
TWO INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING WRECK
Two people were injured, one seriously in a one-vehicle wreck early Sunday morning in Osage County. 47 year old Melissa Love of Fulton was on Old Highway 50 when she fell asleep at the wheel and her van went down an embankment and struck several trees. She sustained serious injuries, while her passenger 40 year old Robert Miller of Jefferson City suffered minor injuries. Both were taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
DRIVER HURT IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING CRASH
A Gravois Mills driver was hurt in an early Sunday morning crash in Morgan County. 48 year old Clint Harvey was on MO 5 when a deer entered the roadway, causing his car to run off the right side of the road, strike a tree and then a sign. He refused medical treatment at the scene for minor injuries.
August 9, 2019
PATCHING AND SEALING PLANNED FOR ROUTES IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Weather permitting, MoDOT will be doing pavement maintenance on the following routes in Montgomery County.
Interstate 70 South Outer Road (Tree Farm Road) – Aug. 12, the road will be closed to traffic from Montgomery County Route RB to Missouri Route 19 for sealing from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. that day.
Montgomery County Route JJ - Aug. 13-14, road will be reduced to one lane from Montgomery County Route F to 0.50 mile east of Emron Road for patching operations. Work will be completed between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. each day.
Montgomery County Route FF - Aug. 15, road will be reduced to one lane from Montgomery County Route E to where state maintenance ends for patching operations. Work will be completed between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. that day.
For the closure, motorists will need to use alternate routes during these times.
Again, this work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled or delayed.
ASSISTANCE DEADLINES APPROACHING
Missouri Residents and business owners affected by the April 29–July 5 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding have until September 9 to apply for federal disaster assistance.
Disaster assistance is available from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration, the federal government’s primary source of funding for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property.
There are four ways to register:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
- By phone at the disaster assistance helpline: 800-621-FEMA (3362),voice/vp/711 or 800-462-7585 (TTY). Lines are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- At one of FEMA’s disaster recovery center locations. The centers are equipped with video remote interpreting and assistive listening devices. You can ask for an in-person American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter if needed.
- With the help of FEMA disaster survivor assistance teams working in your community. Be sure to ask for their FEMA identification.
Individuals and households that sustained damage or loss in any of the following 26 counties are eligible to register: Andrew, Atchison, Boone, Buchanan, Callaway, Carroll, Chariton, Cole, Greene, Holt, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lewis, Lincoln, Livingston, McDonald, Miller, Newton, Osage, Pike, Platte, Pulaski, St. Charles and Saline.
SBA helps homeowners and renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property.
Individuals have until September 9 to return SBA low-interest disaster loan applications for physical property damage. The filing deadline for businesses to submit loan applications for economic injury is April 9, 2020.
Apply for an SBA low-interest disaster loan:
- Online using SBA’s secure website for secure website for disaster loan applications
- By calling SBA’s customer service center at 800-659-2955 or email SBA Disaster Customer Service. If you are deaf or hard-of-hearing, call text relay at800-877-8339
- Face-to-face at any disaster recovery center.
GRAHAM CAVE STATE PARK OFFERS DISCOVERY BACKPACKS FOR HIKING
Graham Cave State Park offers discovery backpacks until Oct. 31 to check out on a first-come, first-served basis after 9 a.m. in the visitor’s center to take on a hike with you. While the backpacks are free to the public to check out, you must provide a valid U.S. driver’s license. Your driver’s license will be returned when the backpack is returned by 4 p.m. that same day.
Inside are identification tools for wildflowers, trees, birds, ferns and more. You will also find a pair of binoculars so you can see things far away and a hand lens so you can explore tiny things up close, like the likable world of lichens! What are lichens you ask? The answer can be found within the backpack! Park naturalists will also provide your child with a Discovery Book that is theirs to keep and fill out. If they complete all the projects in the book, they can bring it into the visitor’s center to get it stamped!
As you hike Graham Cave’s approximately five miles of trails through different, beautiful ecosystems, please remember to dress weather appropriate, take a bottle of water and have insect repellant handy.
Graham Cave State Park is located off I-70, between Kingdom City and St. Louis, on Highway TT, two miles west of Highway 161 at the 170 Exit, in Danville. For more information about the event, call Graham Cave State Park at 573-564-3476.
August 8, 2019
JEFF CITY MAN INJURED IN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
A Jefferson City man was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday afternoon in Cole County. 47 year old Eric Knox was on the 7100 block of Route D when his car ran off the right side of the road and struck a tree. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.
TEENS HURT IN JEFFERSON COUNTY ACCIDENT
Two teens were hurt in an accident that occurred at 2:55pm Wednesday in Jefferson County. The patrol says that 17 year old Skylar Andrews of Barnhart was on Old Highway M when her Jeep Cherokee traveled off the north side of the roadway and overturned. Both Skylar Andrews and her passenger 16 year old Hannah Maccachran of Imperial was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital South for treatment of moderate injuries.
RESPECT THE LOAD. SHARE THE ROAD
Respect the Load. Share the Road. That’s the message you’ll be seeing across Missouri from now thru August 31 in a statewide campaign urging drivers to drive safely around big rigs. In turn, commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers will be reminded to obey traffic laws, use their seat belts, slow down and pay attention.
“There were 146 people killed involving a CMV in 2018, with nearly 80% being drivers or passengers of other vehicles,” said Jon Nelson, MoDOT assistant to the state highway and traffic engineer. “Please don’t risk your life by driving aggressively around big trucks.”
Commercial motor vehicles make up 20% of Missouri’s interstate traffic, carry goods from coast to coast and are a vital part of our nation’s economy. They also provide critical services many Missourians rely on every day. When crashes involving tractor trailers happen, the disproportionate size of the large truck versus a car means those crashes can often involve serious injuries, or worse. Research shows that in the majority of these crashes, drivers of passenger cars unnecessarily endanger themselves by not paying attention and driving aggressively around big rigs. That’s why it’s so important for all motorists to drive safely around big trucks. Respect the load. Share the road.
Aug. 7, 2019
TEEN INJURED IN AUDRAIN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Sturgeon teen was injured in an accident that occurred at 8:45pm Tuesday in Audrain County. 16 year old Lowell Hoskins was on County Road 116 when he lost control on the gravel road and his truck overturned, ejecting him from the truck. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.
WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH
A St. Louis woman was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash Tuesday afternoon in St. Charles County. 57 year old Lynn Mathews was riding her motorcycle eastbound on I-70 on the exit ramp to MO 94 when it traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck an exit sign and overturned, ejecting her from the motorcycle. She was taken to SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital with serious injuries.
MAN HURT IN TUESDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
A Washington man was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Tuesday afternoon in Franklin County. 25 year old Joseph Wilson was on MO 185 when the freightliner garbage truck ran off the right side of the road, overturned and struck a fence. He was transported to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of minor injuries.
August 6, 2019
SUSPECT ARRESTED REGARDING OPEN MISSING PERSON CASE SNCE 2006
On Sunday, Aug. 4, 2019, Columbia Police obtained an arrest warrant for Keith Alan Comfort, 37, of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for Murder 2nd Degree, in relation to a Columbia missing person case from 2006. Megan Nicole Shultz, 24 at the time of her disappearance, was reported missing Aug. 5, 2006. At the time, Comfort stated she left their residence on Amelia Street in Columbia on foot. Comfort went to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Police Department on Sunday, Aug. 4, and made voluntary statements to a Lake Geneva Police officer implicating himself in the death of Shultz. Columbia Police detectives are currently en route to Lake Geneva to interview Comfort. A warrant for Comfort’s arrest has been issued with a $1,000,000 cash-only bond. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS to remain anonymous.
NEW POLICE CHIEF IN COLUMBIA
At a media conference Monday, Aug. 5, Columbia City Manager John Glascock announced the selection of Geoff Jones as the chief of the Columbia Police Department. Jones has served in the interim chief role since Feb 3; his appointment as chief will be effective immediately. Jones was raised in Columbia and attended Columbia Public Schools graduating from Rock Bridge High School. Jones first found his passion for policing with the Columbia Police Department as a teenager when he volunteered as a police cadet. Jones stated that he will continue to lead Police Department staff to build relationships, foster trust and address issues. A swearing-in ceremony will occur at a date to be announced.
MOBERLY POLICE ARREST WOMAN ON DRUG CHARGES
Monday morning, August 5th at 8:20 AM, a Moberly Police officer attempted to make a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 600 block of South Morley St. The officer recognized the male driver and was aware he did not have a valid license. The male driver fled the area on foot and was not taken into custody. Contact was made with the female occupant of the vehicle, Christina Simpson. During this contact the officer smelt the odor of marijuana coming from within the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle the officer located paraphernalia used to inject methamphetamine. The officer also located methamphetamine in the purse of Simpson. Simpson was placed under arrest for possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine). Charges were forwarded to the Randolph County Prosecutor’s Office and a warrant was issued by the Randolph County Courts for Simpson with a bond of $3,500 Cash or Surety. At the time of this release Simpson remained in custody at the Randolph County Jail.
August 5, 2019
PAVEMENT WORK PLANNED FOR MONTGOMERY COUNTY THIS WEEK
Weather permitting, MoDOT will be doing pavement maintenance on the following routes in Montgomery County.
Interstate 70 South Outer Road (Tree Farm Road) – Aug. 5, the road will be closed to traffic from Montgomery County Route RB to Montgomery County Route J (east entrance of quarry) between 7:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Montgomery County Route RB – Aug. 6, the road will be closed to traffic from I-70 South Outer Road (Tree Farm Road) to where state maintenance ends. The work will be completed between 7:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. that day.
Interstate 70 South Outer Road (Tree Farm Road) – Aug. 7, the road will be closed to traffic from Montgomery County Route RB to Missouri Route 19 from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. that day.
Montgomery County Route RB – Aug. 8, the road will be closed to traffic from I-70 South Outer Road (Tree Farm Road) to where state maintenance ends. The work will be completed between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. that day.
Interstate 70 South Outer Road (Tree Farm Road) – Aug. 8, the road will be closed to traffic from MO 19 to east entrance of the quarry (1000 ft. east of Montgomery County Route J) from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. that day.
Motorists will need to use alternate routes during these times.
Again, this work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled or delayed.
MAN HURT IN SUNDAY NIGHT ACCIDENT
A Sullivan man was hurt in a Sunday night accident in Franklin County. 53 year old Daniel Farel was westbound on I-44 when he fell asleep at the wheel, causing his truck to travel off the right side of the roadway and overturn. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of moderate injuries.
DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN WRECK
A Versailles driver was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Sunday evening in Morgan County. The patrol says that 43 year old Cole Stevenson was on Prairie Hollow Road and driving too fast on the loose packed gravel road when his Jeep Wrangler began to slide, he overcorrected attempting to regain control, but instead it ran off the right edge of the road and overturned, ejecting him from the Jeep. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
Weekend Report- Aug. 3-4, 2019
MAN KILLED IN CALLAWAY COUNTY ACCIDENT
A man was killed in an accident that occurred at 7:30pm Friday in Callaway County. The patrol says that 20 year old Ryan Burns of Holts Summit was on Route OO when his car crossed the center of the road and struck a truck driven by 55 year old Michael Oney of Holts Summit and after impact the car caught on fire. Ryan Burns was pronounced dead at the scene, while Michael Oney was transported by ambulance to Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City for treatment of moderate injuries.
DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRIDAY NIGHT WRECK
A driver was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Friday night in Lincoln County. 23 year old Kyran Zumwalt of Old Monroe was on Route OO when his car traveled off the right edge of the roadway, overturned and struck a fence. He was taken to St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis with serious injuries.
TWO TEENS INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN SATURDAY EVENING CRASH
Two teens were injured, one seriously in a Saturday evening crash in Warren County. The report states that 17 year old Danielle Irwin of Marthasville was a passenger in a Ford Explorer driven by 16 year old Jared Kopmann of Marthasville. They were on Concord Hill Road going around a curve to the left, when it hit loose gravel and began to slide, went over the center line and ran off the left side of the road, overturned and came to rest overturned in a field. Danielle Irwin was flown by Arch Helicopter to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries, while Jared Kopmann was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of minor injuries.
Aug. 2, 2019
VANDALIA MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN PIKE COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Vandalia man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at around 10:30pm Thursday in Pike County. 26 year old Steven Houchins was riding his motorcycle on US 61 when it traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned in the median. He was air-lifted by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
DRIVER INJURED IN THURSDAY NIGHT WRECK
A driver was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Thursday night in Lincoln County. The patrol says that 32 year old Alexander Freed of St. Ann was on Highway WW when his van ran off the right side of the road and overturned. He was taken to SSM Health DePaul Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
ST. CHARLES MAN HURT IN CRASH
A St. Charles man was hurt in a Thursday morning crash in St. Charles County. 65 year old Gary Peek was on MO 94 when he failed to negotiate a curve, causing his vehicle to travel off the road, overturned and came to rest off the roadway. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to St. Joseph East Hospital in St. Charles for treatment.
August 1, 2019
AUDRAIN COUNTY CRASH
The highway patrol investigated a two vehicle crash shortly after 8 o’clock last (WED) night in Audrain County on Route E, a half a mile north of MO 22. According to the report, 60 year old Phylliss M. Vanderhook of Benton City was southbound when her vehicle crossed the center line and struck a tractor trailer driven by 29 year old Timothy J. Armstrong of Columbia. Vanderhook and a passenger, 58 year old Carol J. Power of Thompson both received minor injuries. Another passenger in that southbound car, 19 year old William L. Power of Thompson received moderate injuries. All three were transported to University Hospital in Columbia by Audrain County EMS. The trucker was not hurt.
MONDAY FIRE AT COLUMBIA HOSPITAL CAUSED BY LIGHTNING
Additional information was released Wednesday regarding the fire on Monday at Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Columbia. You’ll recall our story about the Columbia Fire Department being dispatched to a commercial fire alarm at 404 North Keene Street at 10:40am on Monday morning. The event was brought under control in a little over one hour. Fire investigators were on-scene performing a fire origin and cause investigation and yesterday a news release was issued that said Fire investigator, Assistant Fire Marshal Rachel Smith, has determined the area where the fire originated was the west side of the top edge of the rooftop of the elevator mechanical room. The cause of the fire is lightning. Ten units from the Columbia Fire Department responded to the Monday morning call. There were no reported injuries.
PAVEMENT WORK PLANNED FOR MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Weather permitting, MoDOT will be doing pavement maintenance on the following routes in Montgomery County.
Interstate 70 South Outer Road (Tree Farm Road) – August 5-6, the road will be closed to traffic from Missouri Route 19 to Montgomery County Route J. The work will be completed between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. each day.
Montgomery County Route RB – August 7-8, the road will be closed to traffic from I-70 South Outer Road (Tree Farm Road) to where state maintenance ends. The work will be completed between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. each day.
Motorists will need to use alternate routes during these times.
Again, this work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled or delayed.
July 31, 2019
NO OTHER DETAILS ON KIRKSVILLE MAN FOUND DEAD IN COLUMBIA PARKING LOT
Columbia Police has identified Ryan S. Berry, 42, of Kirksville as the man whose body was found in the parking lot of Furniture Row, 1802 Lake Ridgeway Road, on July 29. Detectives were able to locate and notify Berry’s next of kin. Your Source KTVO and KTVO dot com said in a report that an autopsy was performed Tuesday by the Missouri State Medical Examiner’s Office. A spokeswoman told KTVO the autopsy did not reveal the cause of death. She said Berry had no visible injuries that had been inflicted, adding that his body had a few scrapes consistent with falling down. She also said they will now wait to see what toxicology results reveal. Those should be available in about two weeks.
STANBURY UNIFORMS BEING ACQUIRED BY TENNESSEE COMPANY
Memphis, Tennessee-based Varsity Spirit has announced its acquisition of Stanbury Uniforms, one of the nation’s leading providers of band apparel. Stanbury Uniforms celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017 and has been headquartered in Brookfield, Mo., since 1958. Stanbury Uniforms added a production facility in Milan, Mo., in 2006 and a third facility, in Warsaw, Mo., earlier this year. Stanbury CEO Steve Roberts says all three Missouri facilities will continue to operate with no changes and that the management team remains intact and our employees will continue to do what they’ve been doing – delivering quality products to high school and college marching bands and competitive drum corps across the country. In the company provided news release, Roberts said becoming part of the Varsity Spirit family will give Stanbury the resources to continue to expand their customer base and, with that expansion, able to offer even more opportunities to local workers in all three communities. Bill Seely, President of Varsity Spirit said in part Stanbury Uniforms has a long and storied history of providing the highest quality uniforms in the industry.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP CLEAN UP KATY TRAIL
Volunteers are needed to help clean up the Katy Trail by picking up trash left by receding floodwaters. Anyone who is interested in helping with this effort is encouraged to grab their bicycles, boots, gloves, long sleeves and bug spray and join us from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, for a morning cleaning up the Katy Trail. The park will provide plenty of trash bags for any person or group. When a bag is full, or an object is too big to put in a bag, leave it on the shoulder of the trail, and park staff will pick up the full bags. Volunteers should meet at the Katy Trail - North Jefferson trail head. Park staff will be on hand to give directions and supply trash bags. Please RSVP by calling the park office at 573-449-7400.
July 30, 2019
INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY AFTER BODY FOUND IN PARKING LOT OF COLUMBIA STORE
… Police say the body has been identified as Ryan S. Barry, 42, of Kirksville
An investigation is now underway in north Columbia after a body was found in a parking lot around 7am Monday morning. Columbia Police say a passerby discovered a man’s body in the parking lot behind Furniture Row, located in the 1800 block of Lake Ridgeway Road. Police have now confirmed the identity of that body as being Ryan S. Barry, 42, from Kirksville. Police are still investigating the cause or manor in which he died has not been released. Police are asking anyone with information to come forward. Please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or Crime Stoppers at 573.875.TIPS to remain anonymous. This past Friday, police identified human remains located near I-70 Drive Southwest and Stadium Boulevard as those of 39 year old Glenn Lester O’Neal whose body was found the day before. Both cases remain under investigation by Columbia PD Investigators.
FOURTH AND FIFTH FLOORS OF COLUMBIA HOSPITAL EVACUATED DUE TO FIRE AND SMOKE
...Firefighters arrived on the scene shortly before 11 o’clock Monday
The Columbia Fire Department was dispatched to a commercial fire alarm at 404 North Keene Street, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, at 10:40am on Monday. Smoke from the fire is what prompted part of the hospital to be evacuated as Hospital staff relocated patients on the fourth and fifth floors to lower floors as a precaution. First arriving units received reports from on-site staff that there was smoke in an elevator and stairwell and upgraded to a commercial structure fire. Additional personnel and apparatus were dispatched to the scene. Further investigation revealed fire and smoke in an equipment room on the roof. Due to the size of the building and considering it is a healthcare facility, the incident commander upgraded the call a second time, to a two alarm fire, requesting additional equipment and personnel. Fire crews attached hose lines to a standpipe in the stairwell and performed an aggressive fire attack, extinguishing the fire in the equipment room in approximately ten minutes. Additional tools and personnel were used to breach the walls of the metal clad room and search for fire extension. This included a thorough search of the elevator shaft that was in close proximity. The event was brought under control in a little over one hour. Fire investigators were on-scene performing a fire origin and cause investigation. Additional details will be released as they become available. Ten units from the Columbia Fire Department responded to the call. Incoming ambulances diverted to University Hospital while firefighters were on scene. Officials said no one was injured.
FEMA HAS APPROVED AT LEAST ONE STATE REQUEST TO PROVIDE DISASTER ASSISTANCE …
…Other requests still being processed with decisions expected soon!
Monday, Governor Mike Parson announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has agreed to the state’s request to provide federal assistance to local governments and nonprofits in 68 counties recovering from flooding and severe storms between April 29 and July 5. The approval of Missouri’s July 16 request means FEMA will assist with the cost of repairs to damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure, along with emergency response costs associated with the storms and flooding. The counties approved for Public Assistance by FEMA are the following: Adair, Andrew, Atchison, Barry, Barton, Bates, Bollinger, Buchanan, Caldwell, Camden, Cape Girardeau, Carroll, Cedar, Chariton, Clark, Cole, Dade, Dallas, Daviess, Douglas, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Hickory, Holt, Howell, Jackson, Jasper, Knox, Laclede, Lewis, Linn, Livingston, Macon, Maries, Marion, McDonald, Mercer, Miller, Mississippi, Monroe, Montgomery, New Madrid, Newton, Nodaway, Ozark, Pemiscot, Perry, Pike, Putnam, Ralls, Randolph, Ray, Ste. Genevieve, Saline, Schuyler, Scotland, Shannon, Shelby, Stoddard, Sullivan, Taney, Texas, Vernon, Wayne, Webster, and Wright. FEMA’s decision also makes available assistance through its Hazard Mitigation Program to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property due to natural hazards. Governor Parson said the state expects to request the Public Assistance disaster declaration to be expanded to include additional counties as joint teams can fully assess damage in other counties. FEMA continues to review the state’s July 16 request to expand assistance to individual residents in the 25 counties of Adair, Barton, Callaway, Cape Girardeau, Christian, Clark, Cooper, Dallas, Douglas, Gasconade, Grundy, Harrison, Hickory, Howard, Jefferson, Laclede, Lewis, Macon, Marion, McDonald, Newton, Polk, Saline, St. Louis, and Ste. Genevieve. President Trump’s July 9 disaster declaration was for flooding and severe storms and made the federal Individual Assistance program available to eligible residents in Andrew, Atchison, Boone, Buchanan, Carroll, Chariton, Cole, Greene, Holt, Jackson, Jasper, Lafayette, Lincoln, Livingston, Miller, Osage, Pike, Platte, Pulaski and St. Charles counties.
DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER OPENS TUESDAY IN LINCOLN COUNTY
A FEMA disaster recovery center will open for three days in Lincoln County starting Tuesday, July 30, to provide one-on-one assistance to Missourians affected by recent flooding, severe storms and tornadoes.
Recovery specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration will provide information on available services, explain assistance programs and help survivors complete or check the status of their applications.
The disaster recovery center location is:
Winfield High School
3920 E. Hwy. 47
Winfield, MO 63389
Days: July 30-Aug. 1
Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Missourians from any county may visit any recovery center. Before visiting a recovery center, residents are asked to register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-FEMA (3362).
July 29, 2019
TEEN KILLED IN PIKE COUNTY ACCIDENT
A St. Louis teen was killed in an accident that occurred at 5:55pm Saturday in Pike County. The patrol says that 19 year old Lydia Byrne was riding an ATV on a gravel road and traveling too fast for conditions when she lost control and it traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck an electric wire fence and overturned. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EARLY MONDAY MORNING WRECK
A man was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck early Monday morning in Jefferson County. 25 year old Michael Cugley of Arnold was on Route NN when his car ran off the left side of the road and struck a utility pole. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital South with serious injuries.
DRIVER KILLED IN THURSDAY MORNING CRASH
A driver was killed in a Thursday morning crash in Jefferson County. 39 year old David Messer of Festus was on Route P when his van went off the east side of the road and hit a steel fence post. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
WEEKEND REPORT
BOONVILLE DRIVER INJURED IN COOPER CO. WRECK
A driver from Boonville was seriously injuerd in a single vehicle wreck that occured Saturday night at 11:49 PM along Highway 98 Eastbound about 8/10ths of a mile East of highway 87 in Cooper County. According to the Highway Patrol 42 year old Terry Hobbs of Boonville was travelling eastbound when his vehicle travelled off the right side of the roadway, struck a ditch, returned to the roadway and overturned coming to rest on its top. He was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident and sustained serious injuries. Hobbs was transported to University of Missouri by Cooper Co. ambulance for treatment.
CAMDENTON DRIVER INJURED IN CAMDEN CO. WRECK
A driver from Camdenton was seriously injured in a single vehicle accident that occured on Saturday at about 6:50 PM on Twin Rivers Point about a half mile West of Marina road in Camden County. According to the Highway Patrol the accident happened when a westbound vehicle driven by 20 year old Ryan P Smyth travelled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. The driver was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident and was seriously injured. Smythe was transported by helicopter to Mercy Hospital in Springfield for treatment.
July 26, 2019
PAVEMENT WORK PLANNED FOR MONTGOMERY COUNTY IN AUGUST
Weather permitting, MoDOT will be doing pavement maintenance on the following routes in Montgomery County.
Interstate 70 South Outer Road (Tree Farm Road) – August 5-6, the road will be closed to traffic from Missouri Route 19 to Montgomery County Route J. The work will be completed between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. each day.
Montgomery County Route RB – August 7-8, the road will be closed to traffic from I-70 South Outer Road (Tree Farm Road) to where state maintenance ends. The work will be completed between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. each day.
Motorists will need to use alternate routes during these times.
Again, this work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled or delayed.
TEST APPROACHING FOR CALLAWAY ENERGY CENTER
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Region VII office announced this week the state of Missouri, along with the counties of Callaway, Gasconade, Osage, and Montgomery, will participate in a one-day exercise on August 13, 2019, in support of the Callaway Energy Center, located near Reform, Missouri. The routine exercise will test the abilities of the state of Missouri, the utility, and the participating counties to protect the health and safety of the public living and working in the vicinity of the Callaway Energy Center. The exercise is a biennial requirement to determine the adequacy of the state and local radiological emergency preparedness and response plans. It will require the activation of emergency facilities by the participating state and local officials. The activities of the state, county and local units of government will be observed and evaluated by the FEMA Region VII Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program. Callaway Energy Center on-site performance will be observed and evaluated by officials from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). On Thursday, August 15, 2019, a public meeting will be held to describe and explain the full-scale response exercise process. Since the process of evaluating the full-scale response exercise will take months, the preliminary findings are very limited in scope. Members of the public and the media are invited to attend this meeting beginning at 10:00 a.m. (CDT) on the main floor of the State Emergency Management Agency Emergency Operations Center, located at 2302 Militia Drive, Jefferson City, Mo. Representatives from FEMA Region VII will chair the meeting and explain the exercise process. A representative from the NRC Region IV office, located in Arlington, Texas, will discuss activities conducted on-site at the power plant during the exercise.
LODGING REIMBURSEMENT MAY BE AVAILABLE FOR SOME STORM SURVIVIORS
Missourians who have registered with FEMA may be eligible for reimbursement if they paid out-of-pocket expenses for temporary lodging because of damage to their primary residences from recent flooding, severe storms and tornadoes.
Lodging expenses may be eligible for reimbursement if an applicant:
• registers with FEMA
• passes identity verification
• verifies occupancy in a primary residence within a designated county
• verifies that the primary residence is uninhabitable or inaccessible
• incurs disaster-related temporary lodging expenses from April 29 to July 5
• does not have insurance that would cover lodging; and
• did not receive lodging assistance during the same timeframe.
Reimbursement funds are available for eligible applicants under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. Survivors who are approved for lodging reimbursement must submit zero-balance receipts to FEMA to receive payment. Reimbursement will not cover incidental costs such as phone calls, laundry, internet, food, movies or pet care. The 20 counties designated for FEMA Individual Assistance are: Andrew, Atchison, Boone, Buchanan, Carroll, Chariton, Cole, Greene, Holt, Jackson, Jasper, Lafayette, Lincoln, Livingston, Miller, Osage, Pike, Platte, Pulaski and St. Charles counties. Missouri residents affected by April 29-July 5 storms and flooding have until Sept. 9 to register for disaster assistance. Registering is free and takes about 20 minutes. There are three ways to register:
• Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
• Call the disaster assistance helpline: 800-621-FEMA (3362). Lines are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Help is available in most languages.
• Visit a disaster recovery center. To find one, go to FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or call the helpline.
July 25, 2019
TIPTON WOMAN KILLED IN SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH IN COOPER COUNTY
Troop F of the highway patrol investigated a fatal crash in Cooper County around 5:00 pm yesterday (Wed) which is the 3rd fatality this month and the 42nd fatality for the year. The patrol said 18 year old Lindsey N. Woodall of Tipton was eastbound on Route H, just east of the Route AA intersection. The investigation revealed the vehicle traveled off the right side of the road and struck a tree. Woodall was pronounced deceased on scene at 6:22 pm by the Cooper County Coroner. Her body was transported to Thomas and Son’s Funeral Home in Jefferson City.
BOONVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT WORKS DOWNTOWN FIRE
The Boonville Fire Department with assistance from the Cooper County Fire Protection District battled a blaze in the downtown area Wednesday night. According to the report the fire was located in the 400 block of Main Street. Three firemen were taken to an area hospital to be checked out as two of the firefighters were inside the structure when it collapsed and a third became overheated. The building was being utilized for storage as well as a parking structure. The cause has not officially been determined as of yet. No other damage to nearby buildings was reported.
THREE OFFICIALLY CHARGED WITH STEALING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN IPHONES FROM WALMART
Three people have now officially been charged in Randolph County for the stealing spree this past weekend at the Moberly Walmart Supercenter. We told you Monday that three people had been arrested after a chase that ended in Montgomery County. The three men from the Memphis Tennessee area have each been charged with 1st degree burglary, stealing $25,000 or more and 1st degree property damage. Court Documents say a total of 47 iPhones were stolen valued at $42,000. The entire event was captured on surveillance video.
July 24, 2019
MAN INJURED IN TUESDAY AFTERNOON ACCIDENT
A Chamois man was injured in an accident that occurred at 2:20pm Tuesday in Osage County. The patrol says that 67 year old Jess Prater was on US 50 when his truck traveled off the right side of the roadway, up an embankment, began to rotate clockwise and overturned onto the driver side, struck a tree, returned onto its wheels, went down an embankment and came to rest facing west in a ditch. He was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN JEFFERSON COUNTY WRECK
A driver was hurt in a two-vehicle wreck Tuesday night in Jefferson County. 27 year old Timothy Pind of Arnold was on Highway 141 when he failed to stop for a red traffic signal and his Jeep Grand Cherokee was struck in the right side by a truck driven by 43 year old Meghan Kamon of Fenton which was attempting to turn left onto Highway 141. After impact, his Jeep overturned and went off the left side of the road. He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital for treatment.
BICYCLIST HURT IN EARLY TUESDAY MORNING CRASH
A bicyclist was hurt in an early Tuesday morning crash in St. Charles County. 32 year old Kevin Clark of Wentzville was riding his mountain bike on Highway N when he failed to obey the steady red electric signal and traveled into the path of a car driven by 21 year old Monica Forrest of Troy who was making a left turn onto Highway N and was struck by the bicycle. He was taken to St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment of minor injuries.
July 23, 2019
SHARING INFORMATION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT
Over the past week and a half, area residents have provided the Mexico Public Safety Department with significant information about either crimes they were aware of or activities they felt were suspicious. The information has led to the identification of five suspects involved in recent burglaries and other thefts. It also allowed MPSD to work with the Boone County Sheriff’s Office and recover some of the stolen property, and provide jurisdiction suspect information about a crime in their area. Cases are being forwarded to the Audrain County Prosecuting Attorney for the filing of charges. Area residents are encouraged to notify MPSD if they have information about a crime or if they see or hear anything that they feel is suspicious. Mexico Public Safety can be reached at (573) 473-5800 or (573) 581-2100 or CRIMESTOPPERS can be reached at (800) 392-TIPS or (800) 392-8477.
DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER OPENS IN COLE COUNTY
A FEMA disaster recovery center opened Sunday in Cole County to provide one-on-one assistance to Missourians affected by recent flooding, severe storms and tornadoes. Recovery specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration will provide information on available services, explain assistance programs and help survivors complete or check the status of their applications. The disaster recovery center is located at 17-36 Southridge Drive in Jefferson City and is open daily from 8AM to 7PM. Missourians from any county may visit any recovery center. Before visiting a recovery center, residents are asked to register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-FEMA (3362).
COLUMBIA POLICE RESPOND TO SHOTS FIRED REPORT IN 200 BLOCK OF APPLE TREE COURT SUNDAY
Columbia Police officers responded to the 200 block of Apple Tree Court on Sunday, July 21, at approximately 3:10 a.m. for a report of shots fired. During the investigation, evidence was located that indicated shots were fired and 32 shell casings were located. There were no injuries reported. During the investigation, officers located damage to a vehicle that was not involved and damage to a residence where officers found and round lodged in an A/C duct and another lodged in a child's bedroom wall where the child was asleep. Two suspect vehicles were described as a white Cadillac with large rims and a dark-colored Pontiac G6. There are no descriptions of the drivers or other suspects at this time. Both vehicles left prior to officers arriving on the scene. Detectives are actively following up on leads to find all the responsible parties. Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or Crimestoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
MISSOURI RECEIVES GRANT TO BUILD NEW ROCHEPORT BRIDGE
Cross-state travelers will avoid months of lengthy traffic delays as a result of the announcement made Monday by U.S. Senator Roy Blunt and Congressman Sam Graves that Missouri will receive an $81.2 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to build a new I-70 Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport. The grant will enable a $240 million project to replace the existing four-lane I-70 bridge with a six-lane structure built just to the south of the current location, as well as reconstruct the Route BB interchange just east of the bridge. The existing bridge, which was built in 1960, will continue to be used during construction, meaning there will be very few impacts to traffic. The grant will also construct climbing lanes on I-70 at Mineola Hill in Montgomery County, which will improve safety and traffic flow through the Loutre River valley. Receipt of the grant will also trigger $301 million in state bonding, authorized by the Missouri General Assembly during the 2019 session, that will repair or replace another 215 bridges across the state. The bonds will be repaid out of state general revenue over a seven-year period. It will also free up $301 million that was already committed to these bridge projects in the current Statewide Transportation Improvement Program to enable other high-priority transportation needs across the state. Projects will be identified in cooperation with local planning partners. The grant will enable MoDOT to begin the environmental assessment and design for the new bridge, with construction likely to begin sometime in 2021. ” MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna said,” I want to thank Governor Parson for his leadership and commitment to Missouri’s infrastructure needs “This could not have happened without his determination and unwavering support of infrastructure investment. Senator Blunt and Representatives Graves, Hartzler, Hawley, and other members of the Missouri Congressional delegation are to be commended for keeping the project top of mind in the nation’s capital. Thanks, too, to leaders in the City of Columbia, the City of Boonville, and Boone and Cooper counties for their commitment of $4.2 million in local funds that when leveraged with state and federal dollars will make a new bridge a reality.”
July 22, 2019
ROADWORK SCHEDULED FOR ROUTE E IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Weather permitting, Monday thru Thursday July 22-25, MoDOT will be doing bridge maintenance work on Route E in Montgomery County. The roadway will be reduced to one lane traffic at the bridge over Interstate 70. Work will be completed between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. each day. This work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled or delayed.
$22,000 IN CELL PHONES STOLEN FROM MOBERLY WALMART – SUSPECTS IN CUSTODY IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Three men were arrested in Montgomery County for allegedly stealing $22,000 worth of I-Phones and Apple Watches from the Moberly Wal-Mart. The post said Saturday morning at approximately 3:00 a.m. a pursuit entered Montgomery County on I-70. The suspect vehicle turned South on Highway 19 where spike strips were deployed by the Highway Patrol. The vehicle ran off the roadway and 3 male suspects fled from the vehicle into a corn field. One subject was picked up a short time later and the other 2 were apprehended around noon Saturday as a result of a call from a New Florence business that said they were trying to purchase T-Shirts. A number of law enforcement agencies were involved in the investigation and pursuit and charges are pending in a number of jurisdictions.
TEEN DROWNS AT MARK TWAIN LAKE
The Water Patrol Division of the Missouri State Highway Patrol reports a 17 year old from Springfield, IL died by drowning at Mark Twain Lake, at 6:48 PM Saturday in Ralls County. According to the report, Kameron L. Rice was wading near the shoreline just south of Marker B, a half a mile north of Black Jack Marina. Rice ended up going out into deeper water and was unable to swim. His body was recovered a short time later and was taken to a Perry funeral home.
Weekend Report- July 20-21, 2019
THREE SERIOUSLY INJURED IN ATV ACCIDENT
Three young ladies were seriously injured in an ATV accident that occurred at 11:30pm Friday night in Morgan County. The patrol says that 20 year old Samantha Williams of Versailles along with her two passengers 17 year old Sarah Komrska of Stover and 20 year old Jordan Burgess of Versailles were riding an ATV on Victoria Road when they failed to negotiate a right curve, traveled off the left side of the roadway, overturned and all three were ejected from the ATV. Williams and Komrska were taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries, while Burgess was taken to Bothwell Hospital with serious injuries.
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING WRECK
A St. Louis man was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck early Sunday morning in St. Louis County. 24 year old Torey Holland was westbound on I-70 when his truck ran off the left side of the road, struck the concrete median and overturned onto its left side. He was taken to Barnes Jewish Hospital with serious injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN PIKE COUNTY CRASH
A Louisiana driver was hurt in a Friday afternoon crash in Pike County. 21 year old Ronald McKenzie was on Highway D when his Jeep Liberty traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. He was taken to Pike Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
July 19, 2019
FIRE INVOLVING TRACTOR TRAILER UNIT HAULING STRAW
On Wednesday at approximately 3:17PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the parking lot of Wal-Mart in the 4800 block of S Clark Street in reference to a fire. Responding personnel found that a tractor-trailer, with the trailer loaded with straw, was burning in the south corner of the lot. Upon arrival, the entire tractor unit was found to be burning, as was a significant amount of the straw. People who had parked nearby were moving their vehicles and one of the fuel tanks on the tractor unit had ruptured just prior to MPSD arrival. The fire in the tractor unit was extinguished and the fire in the straw was contained until personnel from the City of Mexico Street Department arrived with equipment to remove the load. The straw was removed from the trailer and the fire was extinguished. The driver stated he was driving on US Highway 54 near Mexico when he heard a “pop”. He exited the highway, pulled into the lot to see what was wrong, and saw a fire near the driver’s side rear wheels of the tractor unit. He called for assistance but the fire spread immediately. There were no injuries from the incident and that corner of the parking lot is closed until the vehicle and straw can be removed.
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN THURSDAY NIGHT WRECK
A man was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Thursday night in Jefferson County. 25 year old Nicholas Szczepan of House Springs, MO was on Route F when his vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway, overturned several times before striking a tree. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
TEEN HURT IN CALLAWAY COUNTY CRASH
A teen was hurt in a Thursday afternoon crash in Callaway County. 19 year old Kip Grimson of Portland, MO was on Route O when his car ran off the road and overturned. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.
July 18, 2019
PLANE MAKES EMERGENCY LANDING AT COLUMBIA REGIONAL AIRPORT
The Pilot of an American Airlines flight declared an emergency last (WED) night due to the smell of smoke in the cabin. No smoke was actually seen nor was any detected. The plane, Flight 3906 was in route to Columbia from Chicago when the emergency was declared. After the plane landed safely, all passengers exited the plane and mechanics started inspecting it. The flight was scheduled to fly back to Chicago, but was cancelled and will be taken to a maintenance facility in the St. Louis area Thursday.
DRIVER HURT IN WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACCIDENT
A driver was hurt in an accident Wednesday night in Miller County. 44 year old Tammy Uptegrove of Jefferson City was on Highway FF when her car traveled off the right side of the roadway, she overcorrected, causing it to run off the left side of the road and overturn. She was taken to Lake Regional Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
CLARK WOMAN KILLED IN BOONE COUNTY CRASH
The Highway Patrol said a Clark Woman died as a result of a single vehicle crash near Harrisburg on Route F in Boone County at Coon Creek around 7:30 Wednesday morning. The crash occurred when a southbound vehicle driven by 32 year old Antoinette L. Knight of Clark crossed the center line. The driver overcorrected and the SUV struck a bridge barrier. Knight was pronounced dead at the scene and was not wearing a seat belt. Her body was taken to the Columbia Medical Examiner’s Office.
July 17, 2019
MAN HURT IN EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING WRECK
A man was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Wednesday morning in Osage County. The patrol says that 31 year old Matthew Haines of Greenfield, IN was on Route NN when he failed to stop at the stop sign, traveled through the intersection, off the south side of the road and struck a ditch. He was taken to Phelps County Regional Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries.
COLUMBIA DRIVER INJURED IN BOONE COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Columbia driver was injured in an accident that occurred at 11:50pm Tuesday in Boone County. 24 year old Powell Yaeger was on Route Z when his car ran off the left side of the roadway, struck a ditch, a mailbox and a fence. He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Boone Hospital for treatment.
MISSOURI MOVES TO EXPAND STATE’S DISASTER DECLARATION
Missouri Moves to Expand State’s Disaster Declaration to Include FEMA Assistance for Residents in 21 Additional Counties. The State Emergency Management Agency Request Also Seeks Assistance for Public Agencies, Nonprofits in 68 Counties for Damage to Roads and Infrastructure. The state of Missouri requested that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) expand last week’s federal disaster declaration for the state in two ways: consider making FEMA assistance available to residents and businesses in 21 additional counties; and provide assistance to public agencies in 68 counties to help with repairs to roads, bridges, and other damaged infrastructure. “Many Missouri communities have been hit hard this year by flooding and severe storms that have damaged and destroyed homes and businesses. Public agencies have also been impacted by severe damage to roads, bridges, and public buildings,” Governor Parson said. “Expanding the disaster declaration is warranted due to the extent of the damage across these additional counties and the high cost of repairs.” The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) requested that FEMA consider extending President Trump’s July 9 Individual Assistance disaster declaration for Missouri to include residents and businesses in Adair, Barton, Callaway, Christian, Clark, Cooper, Dallas, Douglas, Gasconade, Grundy, Harrison, Hickory, Howard, Jefferson, Laclede, Lewis, Macon, Polk, Saline, St. Louis, and Ste. Genevieve counties. SEMA said that while the 21 counties requested were denied assistance in the July 9 federal disaster declaration, additional information gathered as floodwaters receded increased the need for assistance. SEMA said earlier assessments, conducted by helicopter due to the flooding, did not capture all of the damage to homes. SEMA asked that FEMA re-evaluate the new damage information and that damage assessors revisit Clark, Callaway, Cooper, Gasconade, Howard, Lewis, Saline, St. Louis and Ste. Genevieve counties. SEMA also requested that joint damage assessments for Individual Assistance be conducted for the first time related to this disaster in four counties: Cape Girardeau, Marion, Newton and McDonald counties. This is being done with the expectation that SEMA will later request for these counties to also be included in the disaster declaration. Federal Individual Assistance would allow eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses as a result of the flooding and storms. Also, SEMA requested that FEMA expand the July 9 disaster declaration to provide Public Assistance for repairs to damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure along with emergency response costs in a total of 68 counties: Adair, Andrew, Atchison, Barry, Barton, Bates, Bollinger, Buchanan, Caldwell, Camden, Cape Girardeau, Carroll, Cedar, Chariton, Clark, Cole, Dade, Dallas, Daviess, Douglas, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Hickory, Holt, Howell, Jackson, Jasper, Knox, Laclede, Lewis, Linn, Livingston, Macon, Maries, Marion, McDonald, Mercer, Miller, Mississippi, Monroe, Montgomery, New Madrid, Newton, Nodaway, Ozark, Pemiscot, Perry, Pike, Putnam, Ralls, Randolph, Ray, Ste. Genevieve, Saline, Schuyler, Scotland, Shannon, Shelby, Stoddard, Sullivan, Taney, Texas, Vernon, Wayne, Webster, and Wright. Additional counties may be considered for Public Assistance as floodwaters recede and more information is gathered locally. In the request, SEMA said that joint FEMA, SEMA, and local damage assessment teams had identified more than $26 million in infrastructure damage and emergency response costs experienced by local jurisdictions. SEMA also said the state of Missouri had damage and expenses totaling more than $23 million due to the flooding and storms. President Trump’s July 9 disaster declaration was for flooding and severe storms and made the federal Individual Assistance program available to eligible residents in Andrew, Atchison, Boone, Buchanan, Carroll, Chariton, Cole, Greene, Holt, Jackson, Jasper, Lafayette, Lincoln, Livingston, Miller, Osage, Pike, Platte, Pulaski, and St. Charles counties. As of July 15, FEMA has approved more than 300 households for Individual Assistance grants and provided more than $1.6 million directly to survivors to assist with recovery. FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has paid more than $18 million to Missouri policyholders for flood claims filed since March. To register for FEMA assistance, go to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or register by phone by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362).
July 16, 2019
STURGEON TRUCKER CHARGED IN INDIANA CRASH THAT KILLED THREE
A Sturgeon man is facing charges in the State of Indiana after his semi hit the back of a line of vehicles backed up due to construction on an Indianapolis freeway Sunday. The initial investigation revealed multiple vehicles were involved and the first car struck caught fire. Indiana State Police said 29 year old Alanna Koons and her twin daughters, June and Ruby Koons, of Indianapolis died in that crash that happened about midday Sunday on Interstate 465 eastbound. The driver of the 18 wheeler was identified as 57 year old Bruce Pollard of Sturgeon, MO and police say he was speeding. He’s been charged with reckless homicide as well as other charges. Authorities say 7 other people were injured and hospitalized in that crash as well.
COLUMBIA OFFICIALLY SELECTS NEW CITY MANAGER
The Columbia City Council announced Monday that they selected John Glascock to fill the role as Columbia’s next city manager. Glascock has served as Columbia's interim city manager since November 2018. During his more than 16-year career with the City of Columbia, Glascock has served as chief engineer, director of Public Works, acting Water & Light director, and prior to his appointment as interim city manager, deputy city manager for three years. As deputy city manager, he was responsible for overseeing Community Development, Public Works, Sustainability and Utilities, more than 700 employees and combined operating and capital improvement budgets of more than $275 million. During his tenure as interim city manager, he appointed an interim police chief and addressed community concerns regarding the Police Department, reorganized the City Manager's Office to gain efficiencies and focused on relationship building with City stakeholders. Prior to joining the City, Glascock had a 20-year engineering career with MoDOT. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Missouri and is a registered professional engineer.
MISSOURI AWARDS $85,000 IN ADDITIONAL FEDERAL BONDING FUNDS
Governor Mike Parson recently announced that Missouri received $85,000 from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Fidelity Bonding Demonstration Grant to help justice-involved and other at-risk Missourians find meaningful employment with a living wage.
Fidelity Bonding Demonstration Grants provide incentives for employers to hire and retain at-risk employees. Funds from this grant will be used to increase employment outcomes for formerly incarcerated individuals and educate employers on the benefits of the Federal Bonding Program. Since 2006, Missouri issued $1.5 million in fidelity bonding, serving more than 125 companies and 200 individuals. For more information, contact the Missouri Job Center in your area.
July 15, 2019
TEEN KILLED IN WARREN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A teen was killed in an accident that occurred at 1:40am Sunday in Warren County. The patrol says that 18 year old Richard Howell of Augusta, MO was on Route D when his truck traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a road sign, continued through a grass embankment and struck a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SUNDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
A Troy woman was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Sunday afternoon in Lincoln County. 45 year old Keirsten Sooter was on Linns Mill Road when her car ran off the right side of the road, struck a pole and overturned. She was transported by Arch Helicopter to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
TEENAGER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN CRASH
A Moscow Mills teenager was seriously injured in a Sunday afternoon crash in Lincoln County. 17 year old Dylan Moor was a passenger in a truck driven by 18 year old Trevor Maxfield of Winfield. They were on Ridge Road when the truck traveled off the right side of the roadway, overcorrected and struck a tree. Dylan Moor was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
Weekend Report- July 13-14, 2019
PASSENGER KILLED, DRIVER INJURED IN WARREN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A man was killed and another man was injured in an accident that occurred at around 5:15pm Friday in Warren County. The patrol says that 29 year old Patric Lamke of Marthasville was on Highway 94 when he drove his truck through standing water and began to hydroplane, causing it to travel off the right side of the roadway and overturn into a ditch filled with water. He was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of minor injuries, while his passenger 67 year old Michael Smith of Marthasville was taken to the same hospital where he died from his injuries a short time later.
MOTORCYCLIST SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SATURDAY AFTERNOON CRASH
A motorcyclist was seriously injured in a Saturday afternoon crash in Warren County. 72 year old Delbert Lackscheide of Franklin, IL was riding his motorcycle on Route B when it ran off the west side of the road and overturned, ejecting him from the motorcycle. He was air-lifted by Arch Air Medical Service to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN SATURDAY MORNING WRECK
A St. Charles driver was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday morning in St. Charles County. 24 year old William Hoover was westbound on I-64 when he failed to maintain the roadway and traveled off the right side of the road and overturned. He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment.
July 12, 2019
ELSBERRY MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN LINCOLN COUNTY ACCIDENT
An Elsberry man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at around 11:50pm Thursday in Lincoln County. The patrol says that 20 year old Dakota Tilley of Troy was on US 61 when he drove into the path of a motorcycle being ridden by 33 year old Anthony Reisig of Elsberry and the motorcycle struck the driver's side of the truck, causing him to be ejected from the motorcycle. Anthony Reisig was taken to St. Joseph East Hospital in St. Charles with serious injuries.
DRIVER INJURED IN THURSDAY MORNING WRECK
A driver was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Thursday morning in Morgan County. 42 year old Christopher Gibson of Stover, MO was on Proctor Road when his truck traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck several trees. He was transported by ambulance to Lake Regional Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
WOMAN HURT IN THURSDAY NIGHT CRASH
A woman was hurt in a Thursday night crash in Jefferson County. 65 year old Lynn Notheis of Arnold was on Old Lemay Ferry Road when her car ran off the right side of the road, began skidding and the front of it struck a road sign before coming to rest off the roadway, facing South. She sustained minor injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital South for treatment.
July 11, 2019
TWO SERIOUSLY INJURIED IN CRASH NEAR CENTRALIA
A Centralia man was flown by Staff for Life Helicopter after the vehicle he was riding in was struck by a pickup in Audrain County. The highway patrol reports 17 year old Hunter A. King of Thompson, MO was northbound on a County Road and his auto struck the passenger side of an eastbound vehicle at a 4 way intersection. Both vehicles traveled off the road following impact and came to rest in the ditch northeast of the intersection. King was not injured. The driver of the auto, 23 year old Emily J. Clarahan has serious injuries and was transported by Boone County Ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia. A passenger in the Clarahan vehicle, 24 year old Colt J. Reams of Centralia was also seriously injured and was flown by Staff for Life to University Hospital. That accident occurred on County Road 924 at the Intersection of County Road 989.
MHTC APPROVES STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission on Wednesday approved the 2020-2024 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The STIP is the Missouri Department of Transportation’s list of 1,872 highway and bridge projects that are planned by state and regional agencies. The draft STIP was released in June for public review and comment. It focuses on taking care of the state’s existing transportation system by annually investing in 1,014 lane miles of interstate pavements, 1,346 miles of major route pavements, 2,652 miles of minor route pavements and 213 bridges. Missouri has the nation’s seventh largest state highway system with 33,859 miles of roadways and 10,385 bridges, but ranks 48th nationally in revenue per mile. The STIP details an annual construction program that averages $924 million per year for the five-year period. But it is insufficient to meet the state’s unfunded high-priority transportation needs that are estimated in MoDOT’s “Citizen’s Guide to Transportation Funding” at an additional $825 million per year. This STIP includes funding for the “Focus on Bridges” program that was initiated by Gov. Mike Parson and funded by the Missouri General Assembly approved budget with a one-time $50 million injection of general revenues for the rehabilitation and/or reconstruction of 45 bridges. The money that was previously dedicated to those bridge projects will be freed up for additional improvements to the state system of roads and bridges.
The draft STIP also includes detailed project information for non-highway modes of transportation and a section detailing planned operations and maintenance activities for the next three years. This additional information is provided to allow Missourians to more easily see how their transportation funding is invested.
GOVERNOR PARSON SIGNS SB 68 INTO LAW
On Wednesday, Governor Mike Parson signed SB 68 into law, a comprehensive economic development strategy for growth across Missouri.
“From day one, workforce development has been a major focus of our administration,” Governor Parson said. “This legislation gives us the tools we need to be more competitive and shows companies everywhere that Missouri is open for business. We’re excited about this great step forward and will continue to invest in Missouri workers, help companies grow, and keep quality jobs here in our state.”
SB 68 includes four key pieces of workforce and economic development legislation designed to meet employer needs and help Missouri compete for major business expansions across the state:
Missouri Fast Track: Fills workforce gaps through financial aid for adult learners pursuing education and training in high demand industries.
Missouri One Start: Improves Missouri’s workforce programs that help businesses recruit, onboard, and train large numbers of job applicants during major expansions.
Missouri Works - Deal Closing Fund: Gives Missouri a negotiating tool to close deals with companies by granting tax credits earlier in a business expansion and includes a claw back provision.
Automotive Economic Development Tools: Helps retain automotive jobs by granting $5 million in tax credits annually to automotive manufacturers that invest $500 million or more in plant upgrades and agree to retain current workers.
In addition, Governor Parson signed SB 180, which modifies the Missouri Works program by creating an additional tax credit, in lieu of any other tax credit offered under the program, for the creation of military jobs.
Governor Parson also signed five other bills:
SB 230 - Judicial Proceedings
Modifies provisions relating to venue in guardianship and conservatorship proceedings, the ABLE Act, public defenders, and venue for certain corporations in civil proceedings.
SB 54 - Insurance Companies
Enacts provisions relating to insurance companies, including interest rates on voluntary payments and supervision of internationally active groups.
SB 89 - Transportation
Enacts provisions relating to commercial driver's licenses, lease and rental registrations, motor vehicle inspection requirements, and striking a highway worker.
HB 1088 - Office of Administration Omnibus
Modifies laws relating to the Office of Administration and state agencies.
SB 17 - Retirement Systems
Modifies provisions relating to public employee retirement systems, including PSRS and LAGERS.
For more information on a bill, visit the Missouri House or Missouri Senate website. Pictures from today’s signings will be available on the Governor’s Flickr page.
July 10, 2019
NORFOLK SOUTHERN WILL CLOSE MONTGOMERY COUNTY ROUTE F
Weather permitting, on Wednesday Norfolk Southern Railroad will close Montgomery County Route F at the railroad crossing located in High Hill to make necessary railroad repairs. The crossing will be closed from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. today. Motorists will need to use alternate routes during these times. Again, this work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled or delayed.
TEEN INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Sullivan teen was injured in an accident that occurred at 5:15am Tuesday in Franklin County. The patrol says that 18 year old Ian Kilburn was eastbound on I-44 when his truck traveled off the right side of the roadway, went over the guardrail and landed in a creek. He was transported by ambulance to Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN MONDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
A driver was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Monday afternoon in St. Charles County. 66 year old Terry Russell of O’Fallon was on MO 364 when he failed to negotiate a turn and drove off the left side of the road and struck a ditch. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur for treatment.
July 9, 2019
MISSOURI ROUTE 94 IS NOW OPEN WEST OF MISSOURI ROUTE 19 IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Missouri Route 94 is now open west of Missouri Route 19 in Montgomery County. It had previously been closed due to water. Missouri Route 94 is now entirely open through Montgomery and Warren Counties.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY ROUTE
Y WILL TEMPORARILY CLOSE FOR RAILROAD CROSSING WORK
Weather permitting, on Tuesday Norfolk Southern Railroad will close Montgomery County Route Y at the railroad crossing located in Jonesburg to make necessary railroad repairs. The crossing will be closed from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. today. Motorists will need to use alternate routes during these times. Again, this work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled or delayed.
12 TRAFFIC FATALITIES & THREE DROWNINGS OVER JULY 4TH COUNTING PERIOD
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the following 2019 July Fourth holiday statistics: 2019 July Fourth Holiday Traffic Statistics for 2019 indicated Troopers worked 376 traffic crashes, which included 139 injuries and nine of the 12 fatalities. Troopers also made 160 DWI arrests and 110 drug arrests over the holiday weekend. As for 2019 July Fourth Holiday Boating Statistics, troopers worked 11 boating crashes, which included five injuries. While there were no boating fatalities, there were three drowning over the holiday weekend. Troopers also made 12 BWI arrests and 28 drug arrests. The 2019 July Fourth holiday counting period began at 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 3, to 11:59 p.m., Sunday, July 7, 2019. Last year, four people were killed and 220 injured statewide in Missouri over the holiday in 437 traffic crashes. Over the 2018 July Fourth holiday, troopers arrested 40 people for driving while intoxicated.
July 8, 2019
DROWNING INCIDENT AT LAKE OF THE OZARKS
A man died as a result of a drowning incident Sunday night at Lake of the Ozarks. The report states that 57 year old David Crouse of Stover, MO attempted to retrieve a vessel adrift by swimming when he drowned.
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN ST. CHARLES COUNTY ACCIDENT
A man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 7:30am Sunday in St. Charles County. The patrol says that 31 year old Lauren Schneider of Hawk Point was on Highway 94 when she failed to negotiate a curve, causing her truck to travel into the eastbound lane and strike a motorcycle being ridden by 47 year old Sam Nolde of Washington. He was ejected as the motorcycle ran off the right side of the roadway. He was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
FULTON WOMAN ARRESTED FOR POT
A news release indicates Callaway County Deputies arrested 23 year old Danasia Pittman of Fulton on July 1st after finding nearly 8 pounds of marijuana and other drugs in her car during a traffic stop. Authorities also say her arrest is part of an ongoing federal investigation in Fulton by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Callaway County Sheriff’s Office K9 units, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. She was taken to the Callaway County Detention Center and later released pending an appearance in court.
NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILROAD WILL CLOSE MONTGOMERY COUNTY HIGHWAY Y
Weather permitting, TUESDAY JULY 9, Norfolk Southern Railroad will close Montgomery County Route Y at the railroad crossing located in Jonesburg to make necessary railroad repairs. The crossing will be closed from 8am to 4pm that day.
NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILROAD WILL CLOSE MONTGOMERY COUNTY ROUTE F
Weather permitting, WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, Norfolk Southern Railroad will close Montgomery County Route F at the railroad crossing located in High Hill to make necessary railroad repairs. The crossing will be closed from 8am to 4pm that day.
Weekend Report- July 6-7, 2019
HERMANN MAN HURT IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
A Hermann man was hurt in an accident that occurred at around 9:20pm Wednesday in Montgomery County. 45 year old Michael Chaney was riding his motorcycle on MO 19 when it traveled off the roadway to avoid another vehicle. He refused medical treatment at the scene for minor injuries.
DRIVER KILLED IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING WRECK
A driver was killed in a one-vehicle wreck early Sunday morning in Franklin County. The patrol says that 46 year old Robert Wright of Sullivan, MO was eastbound on I-44 when his truck ran off the left side of the road, returned to the roadway, he overcorrected, causing it to travel off the right side of the road, strike a sign and overturned. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
MAN KILLED IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH IN JEFFERSON COUNTY
A man was killed in a motorcycle crash early Sunday morning in Jefferson County. 47 year old John Smith of Byrnes Mill, MO was riding his motorcycle on MO 30 when it traveled off the right side of the roadway and ejected him from the motorcycle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
July 3, 2019
SEALING AND BRIDGE WORK PLANNED FOR ROUTES IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Weather permitting, MoDOT crews will be doing work on the following routes in Montgomery County.
Montgomery County Route K - July 8-11, one lane traffic at the Loutre River Bridge, located west of MO 19, for bridge maintenance. Work will be completed between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. each day.
Montgomery County Route WW - July 8, one lane traffic at various locations between North Service Road of Interstate 70 (Booneslick Road) and Missouri Route 19 for sealing operations. Work will be completed between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. that day.
Missouri Route 161 - July 9, one lane traffic at various locations between Montgomery County Route J and MO 19 for sealing operations. Work will be completed between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. that day.
Montgomery County Route E - July 10-11, one lane traffic at various locations between North Service Road of I-70 (Booneslick Road) and Montgomery County Route V for sealing operations. Work will be completed between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. each day.
Montgomery County Route F - July 15-18, one lane traffic at the bridge over Interstate 70 for bridge maintenance. Work will be completed between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. each day.
Again, this work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled or delayed.
WORK STARTS MONDAY ON ROUNDABOUT AT FORUM BOULEVARD & GREEN MEADOWS
Beginning July 8, the City of Columbia Public Works Department plans to begin construction of a partial dual-lane roundabout at the intersection of Forum Boulevard and Green Meadows, weather permitting. Emery Sapp and Sons, Inc. is the contractor for the project, which is expected to take approximately 150 days to complete. Work will be done in phases to reduce the impact on traffic as much as possible. The first phase (west side) is expected to take approximately 65-75 days, or about half the time, to complete. Regular updates on the project's progress will be posted on social media.
ENJOY THE FOUTH OF JULY
A number of area communities will be featuring fireworks and numerous other events for the entire family this Fourth of July. As we celebrate the Red, White and blue, the
Independence Day celebrations would not be the same without the scorching sun and fireworks lighting up the night sky. For pets, however, heat and sudden loud noises can be more harmful and frightening than fun. The Humane Society of Missouri encourages pet parents to keep their furry friends’ safety in mind as they celebrate the stars and stripes.
Follow these four tips for a safe Fourth of July for your pets:
1. Don’t Forget: 70 Degrees & Over, Don’t Take Rover!
• When the temperature outside is 70 degrees or higher, the temperature inside a parked car can reach more than 100 degrees in just minutes, leading to death or severe injury in just minutes, regardless of whether a window is cracked or the car is located in the shade.
• If you see an animal in an untended car, call the local police and the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Hotline at (314) 647-4400.
• When your pet is outside, provide them with a shady spot and a bowl of clean water, ensuring they are protected from the sun at all times of the day. Secure a plastic (never metal) bowl to the ground so the bowl does not tip over or get too hot.
2. Keep Track of Your Pet
• If your pet is going with you to participate in any festivities, keep them on a non-retractable leash or in a fenced-in area. Also, be sure your dog has an up-to-date microchip.
• Don’t wait until it’s too late. The Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Medical Center of Mid-America is providing discounted microchips for just $25 throughout the month of July!
3. Make Parties Pet Friendly
• Human treats and leftovers can damage a pet’s sensitive stomach, so pet owners need to clean up after themselves and remove any dangers that may be laying around.
• Keep fireworks, glow sticks, lighter fluid, sunscreen, insect repellent, citronella candles and other potentially dangerous items away from a pet’s paws.
4. Reduce Rover’s Anxiety
• If possible, pets should be kept at home with a quiet, cool place to retreat where heat and sounds are less intense. Pets are more likely to relax in an interior room with access to clean, cool water – not on a chain or in a small crate.
• Pets are more sensitive to loud noises, so close the windows and consider turning on the radio or television to mask the sounds. If your pet is extremely anxious with loud noises, visit your veterinarian to discuss anti-anxiety options, such as ThunderShirts®, nutritional supplements and prescription medications that can often provide relief.
Have a great July 4th from all of us at the Best Broadcast Group family of radio stations! Our offices will be closed Thursday and Friday. We’ll reopen Monday morning at the usual time.
July 2, 2019
DRIVER WHO FLED SCENE OF FATAL PEDESTRIAN CRASH ARRESTED & CHARGED
Columbia Police arrested Charles Michale Waddill, 49, of Harrisburg on Monday, July 1 in the connection to the June 29 crash where a vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian in the 1400 block of Range Line Street. The vehicle fled the scene after the crash. Waddill was arrested on charges of Leaving the Scene of an Accident-Resulting in Death. The victim, Timothy Martin Wilson, was pronounced dead on the scene as a result of his injuries.
MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT REPORT
On Thursday, June 27, 2019 at approximately 8:57PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 400 block of Maple Street in reference to a reported grass fire. Responding personnel found that someone had lit a fire at the base of a partially dead tree. The fire was extinguished and there was no damage to any other property. Initial investigation indicates this was part of an ongoing dispute between two people who both have ownership interests in the property. There were no injuries from the incident.
MFA CLOSING 5 MISSOURI SERVICE CENTERS INCLUDING TWO IN OUR LISTENING AREA
In a news release this past week, MFA, Inc. announced it would be closing 5 Missouri Service Centers, including 2 in our listening area. The Columbia store at 2420 Paris Road will be closing due to urbanization according to the release and the other store in our area that will close is the Fulton location. Both of those stores will close on July 17th while the other 3 stores will close by July 31st. Employee’s and operations at MFA’s headquarters in Columbia will not be affected. Currently, MFA operates 135 Service Centers in Missouri and neighboring states.
July 1, 2019
TROY TEENAGER KILLED IN ACCIDENT SUNDAY
The highway patrol investigated a fatal accident in Marion County Sunday that claimed the life of a 17 year old from Troy. According to the report, 43 year old Michael C. Thorp of Troy was southbound on US 61, a half a mile north of Hannibal in a pickup pulling a camper trailer when he lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle traveled off the road into the median and overturned ejecting both the driver and a passenger identified as 17 year old Hunter M. Thorp of Troy, son of the driver. Hunter Thorp was pronounced deceased at the scene and his body was taken to James O’Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal. Michael Thorp had moderate injuries and was transported by Marion County Ambulance to Blessing Hospital in Quincy. That wreck happened just before 4 o’clock Sunday afternoon.
FATAL PEDESTRAIN CRASH SATURDAY, DRIVER LEAVES SCENE, POLICE INVESTIGATION
Columbia Police are looking for the driver of a white SUV that left the scene of the fatal crash in the 1400 block of Range Line Street. The incident happened at approximately 2:37 AM Saturday morning when Vehicle 1 was traveling northbound in the 1400 block of Range Line Street. Pedestrian 1 was walking west across Range Line Street. Vehicle 1 hit Pedestrian 1. After the crash, Vehicle 1 fled the scene traveling north on Range Line Street to westbound I-70. Pedestrian 1 was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel. Vehicle 1 is described as a white Subaru SUV with front end damage. The investigation is ongoing. Next of kin has been notified. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS to remain anonymous.
MONROE COUNTY BRIDGE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Saturday around 5 p.m., the Missouri Department of Transportation closed the bridge over Milligan Creek in Monroe County near Middle Grove due to a sizable hole. "We put a plate over the hole last week, but it has grown even larger," explained MoDOT Area Engineer Brian Untiedt. Crews will soon evaluate the bridge for the feasibility of repairing the problem area, but it will remain closed until further notice. “The bridge deck is in serious condition, and it is on Missouri's statewide transportation improvement program for a full bridge replacement in 2023," Untiedt said. The estimated cost of the project is near $1 million Information about road closures is available on MoDOT's online traveler map at www.modot.org.
June 21, 2019
COLUMBIA FIRE PERSONNEL DISPATCHED TO SPENCER’S CREST CONDOMINIUMS
The Columbia Fire Department was dispatched to a commercial structure fire at 3800 Saddlebrook Place, Spencer’s Crest Condominiums at 4:13pm yesterday (THURS) afternoon. 911 callers indicated heavy Fire was coming from a balcony. Columbia Fire Department units arrived approximately 4 minutes later and reported heavy fire conditions in the roof and back of the building. The Incident Commander upgraded to a second alarm, requesting additional equipment and personnel. Fire crews began an aggressive fire attack using pre connected hose lines and elevated water streams from aerial devices. Crews fought the fire for approximately 30 minutes before bringing it under control. Witnesses on the scene and occupants in the building indicated everyone safely evacuated. Fire investigators are on the scene and will perform an origin and cause investigation. Crews conditioned to check for Hot spots. Additional details will be released as they become available.
MEXICO MAN ARRESTED ON SEVERAL FELONY CHARGES
The Highway Patrol arrested a Mexico man on a number of felony charges shortly before 8 o’clock Wednesday night in Audrain County. According to the report, 31 year old Michael C. Burgeson of Mexico was arrested and transported to the Audrain County Jail where he was being held without bond. Burgeson was charged with felony resisting arrest, felony possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine (2 grams), felony driving while revoked, 3 counts of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, a felony warrant out of Boone County for Child Neglect, a Probation & Parole Board felony warrant for parole violation, a felony warrant out of Audrain County for tampering and a misdemeanor Audrain County Warrant for Failure to Appear.
ADDITIONAL 22 MILES OF OSAGE RIVER OPENS TO RECREATIONAL BOATING
The Missouri State Highway Patrol announces the section of the Osage River from Lock and Dam #1 (12 mile mark) to the Route B Bridge (34 mile mark) at St. Thomas, MO is now open for recreational boating traffic. The Patrol’s Water Patrol Division, which has been monitoring the Osage, has determined the water level has dropped sufficiently to safely reopen the 22 mile section of the waterway.
Today’s change means the river is now open to recreational boating traffic from Lock and Dam #1 to Bagnell Dam. While this section of the river has been opened, boaters should avoid creating wakes in areas still experiencing high water conditions. Boaters should also be alert for floating debris.
The Osage River from the Missouri River to Lock and Dam #1 remains closed to recreational boating. Although the river level continues to drop, there are still flooded structures downstream from Lock and Dam #1. The Osage River closure for recreational boating traffic remains in effect for that area until further notice.
On June 4, due to deteriorating safety conditions as a result of flooding and to prevent further property damage, Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Sandy Karsten authorized the closure of the Osage from the Missouri River to Bagnell Dam for recreational boating pursuant to Revised Missouri Statutes 306.124(3) in consultation with the Patrol.
On June 10, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reopened the Osage River from the Route B Bridge in St. Thomas, MO to Bagnell Dam due to improved river conditions.
June 20, 2019
FULTON WOMAN INJURED TRYING TO AVOID COLLISION WITH DEER
The Highway Patrol reports a Fulton driver was transported by private vehicle to Fulton Medical Center for treatment following a one vehicle crash in Callaway County around 3:40 AM Wednesday morning. Authorities said 33 year old Kimberly D. Cornwell was southbound and swerved to avoid a deer. Her auto went off the left side of the road and overturned.
BRIDGE REOPENED AFTER FLOOD WATERS RECEDE
As flood waters recede, MoDOT crews are busy getting the roadway cleared of any debris and back up to are clearing up the roads and checking for issues flooding often leaves behind. The Route 40 Missouri River Bridge north of Boonville was reopened this past Tuesday afternoon after being closed since June 3rd. Route 87, north of Boonville was also officially reopened and updates are continuing to be posted on the Traveler Information Map at modot.org
MODOT EXTENDS WEIGHT ALLOWANCE FOR TRUCKLOADS OF AGGREGATE USED IN FLOOD RELIEF AND LEVEE REPAIR
The Missouri Department of Transportation has announced an extension of an allowance for heavier-than-normal truckloads of rock, sand and gravel to travel on Missouri highways in flood relief and for levee and other public infrastructure flood repair. The waiver allows private and for-hire motor carriers to haul up to 10% more than their licensed weight on Missouri highways.
The waiver remains in effect through July 21. While the waiver is in effect, participating motor carriers are limited to:
- A loaded, gross weight no greater than 10% above the gross licensed weight of the commercial motor vehicle;
- Transportation of rock, sand and gravel only within the state of Missouri;
- Drivers must obey posted bridge weight limits;
- When crossing a bridge, the driver must restrict the vehicle speed to no more than 30 mph;
- Travel under this allowance is only allowed on non-interstate highways. Those taking advantage of the weight allowance cannot operate on any portion of the interstate highway system.
Check the MoDOT Traveler Information Map at www.modot.org or download the free app at Google Play or the Apple Store for up-to-date road closure information.
June 19, 2019
AUDRAIN COUNTY CRASH RESULTS IN MODERATE INJURIES
The Patrol worked a two vehicle crash in Audrain County around 4:30 pm Tuesday. 76 year old Nella A. Campbell of Mexico was westbound on US 54 east of Route HH and slowing down to turn into a private drive when her auto was struck from behind by another westbound auto driven by 19 year old Dacen L. Lloyd of Columbia. Campbell received moderate injuries in that crash and was transported to Boone Hospital in Columbia by Audrain County Ambulance. Both vehicles were totaled. The Audrain County Sheriff’s office provided assistance.
MODERATE INJURIES FOR JEFFERSON CITY MAN
The patrol said an accident on US 63 in Boone County, just north of Gilpin Road around 8:40 AM Tuesday morning resulted in moderate injuries for a Jefferson City man. Joshua M. Kelsey, 40, of Jefferson City was northbound in the driving lane. A dump truck operated by 66 year old Russell L. Martin of Ashland was accelerating in the passing lane as Kelsey attempted to change into the passing lane and struck the dump truck in the rear. Kelsey’s auto then ran off the left side of the highway while the dump truck came to a controlled stop on the right shoulder. The dump truck driver was not injured however Kelsey did receive moderate injuries and was transported to Capital Regional Hospital by University Ambulance.
FAYETTE MAN SUFFERED MODERATE INJURIES IN HOWARD COUNTY WRECK
The Patrol said 23 year old Joshua G. Adams of Fayette received moderate injuries when his westbound vehicle went off MO 240, just west of Route P in Howard County shortly after 12 noon on Monday and struck an embankment. Adams said he was trying to avoid colliding with a mail truck that was stopped partially in the roadway. He was transported by Ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
June 18, 2019
TWO SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT
Two people from Collinsville, IL were seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 10:40pm Monday in Franklin County. 32 year old Larry Faulk was on US 50 when he lost control of his car, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck two trees. Both the driver and his passenger 32 year old Brandi Hammond were transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington with serious injuries.
MAN INJURED IN TUESDAY MORNING WRECK
A St. Louis man was injured in a two-vehicle wreck Tuesday morning in Jefferson County. The patrol says that 29 year old Kendall Meloy of Imperial attempted to make a left turn onto Mack Hill and failed to yield to a motorcycle ridden by 67 year old Thomas Treiber, causing it to strike the rear of her truck. He was taken to Mercy Hospital South for treatment of moderate injuries.
WOMAN HURT IN MONDAY NIGHT CRASH
A woman was hurt in a Monday night crash in Franklin County. 29 year old Destanie Hatton of Gray Summitt, MO was on Route N and driving too fast for the wet road conditions when she applied the brakes, causing her vehicle to begin to slide, crossed the center line, ran off the left side of the road and began to overturn. She sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment.
June 17, 2019
DRIVER & PASSENGER INJURED WHEN VEHICLE COLLIDES WITH DEER IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
The highway patrol said two Wellsville residents were injured Saturday morning at 4:30 AM on Route CC. The report said 29 year old Brittany J. Burch of Wellsville was driving westbound when the collision occurred. She was transported by Montgomery County Ambulance Personnel to University Hospital in Columbia with moderate injuries. A passenger, 30 year old Jonathan J. Fisher sustained minor injuries and was also transported to University Hospital for treatment.
MAN INJURED IN SUNDAY NIGHT WRECK
A Gravois Mills man was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Sunday night in Morgan County. 62 year old Ricky Stinocher was on Highway 5 when his truck traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck several trees and overturned, ejecting him from the truck. He was taken to University Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
TWO HURT IN JEFFERSON COUNTY CRASH
Two people were hurt in a Sunday evening crash in Jefferson County. 23 year old Holly Guenther of Blackwell was on Route H when her car ran off the south side of the road and struck a tree. Both the driver and her passenger 28 year old James Watson of De Soto were taken to Mercy Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
Weekend Report- June 15-16, 2019
WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SATURDAY NIGHT ACCIDENT
A St. Charles woman was seriously injured in an accident that occurred just before 6pm Saturday in Miller County. 47 year old Tisha Vanbarneveld was on 75 Unicorn Road in Eldon when her Easy Go Golf Cart traveled off the left side of the road, overturned and ejected her from the golf cart. She was transported by Staff for Life to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
DRIVER KILLED IN SATURDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
A driver was killed in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday afternoon in Miller County. 21 year old Devon Frisbie of Brumley, MO was on MO 42 when his truck ran off the right side of the roadway, he overcorrected, causing it to travel off the left side of the road, began skidding and sliding, overturned and struck a utility pole. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
MAN KILLED, WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MORGAN COUNTY CRASH
A man was killed and a woman seriously injured in a Saturday afternoon crash in Morgan County. The patrol says that 61 year old Billy Scrivner of Barnett was on Highway 52 when his vehicle suffered a mechanical failure, causing it to cross the center line, travel off the south edge of the roadway into a field where it overturned numerous times. He was pronounced dead at the scene while his passenger, 55 year old Penny Houston of Smithton was taken to Capital Region Hospital with serious injuries.
June 14, 2019
RESIDENTIAL FIRE ON BALBOA LANE IN COLUMBIA – ONE FATALITY REPORTED
The Columbia Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a smoke odor inside a residence at 3413 Balboa Lane on Thursday at 2:51 a.m. First arriving units reported smoke inside one side of a duplex where the party reporting the smoke odor lived. Fire crews forced entry into the other side of the duplex and found heavy smoke conditions but no fire. Crews conducted a search of the residence and found one occupant in the residence. The person found was unconscious and in a bedroom. The subject was removed from the home and CPR was administered by Fire Department personnel. Paramedics provided patient care and determined the subject was deceased. Assistant Fire Marshal Shawn McGruder was dispatched to perform a fire origin and cause investigation. He determined the fire originated in the kitchen as a result of unattended cooking. Conditions in the duplex were such that the fire extinguished on its own prior to fire crews arriving. Through the investigation, it was determined that there was only one occupant in the residence at the time of the fire. Columbia Police identified the deceased as Jason Ian Frazier, 38, of Columbia. Both units in the duplex had working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Seven units from the Columbia Fire Department responded to this call.
GOV. PARSON ANNOUNCES GRANT TO FIX ST. LOUIS RAIL BRIDGE
On Thursday Governor Mike Parson said Missouri will receive up to $28.8 million in federal aid to rehabilitate the MacArthur Bridge in St. Louis. The bridge, owned by the Terminal Railroad Association, carries rail freight and passenger trains over the Mississippi River and connects St. Louis, Missouri, to East St. Louis, Illinois. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration distributes the grants under the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program and the Special Transportation Circumstances Program. More than $326 million will fund 45 state and local railroad infrastructure projects in 29 states.
The rehabilitation will allow the bridge to accommodate 315,000 pound railcars and will extend the life of the bridge until about 2085.
PROPOSAL TO MOVE USDA AGENCIES TO KANSAS CITY
That proposal means the National Institute of Rood and Agriculture and the Economic Research Service f will relocate their headquarters along with hundreds of jobs from Washington, D.C. to Kansas City. U.S. Representative Sam Graves advocated strongly for the move to Kansas City after it was announced that the USDA was searching for a new location. USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue announced last year that the administration was planning to move the agencies out of Washington, D.C. Kansas City was announced last month as 1 of 3 finalists. 139 Expressions of Interest from 35 states were initially submitted. Criteria used in the site selection process were Quality of Life, Costs, Workforce and Logistics/IT Infrastructure.
June 13, 2019
NOVINGER COUPLE KILLED IN MARION COUNTY CRASH WITH 18 WHEELER
A tragic accident in Marion County on US 36 at Monroe City just after 2:30 Wednesday afternoon when an eastbound auto driven by 77 year old Janie Goodwin of Novinger attempted to make a left turn from the right hand lane of US Highway 36 and into the path of an eastbound tractor trailer driven by Lance Rodgers, 34, of Bentleyville, PA. The 18 wheeler struck the Goodwin auto on the driver’s side. Following impact, both vehicles came to rest in the roadway. Janie Goodwin was pronounced deceased at the scene. A passenger and husband of the driver, 72 year old Earl E. Goodwin was pronounced deceased at University Hospital in Columbia. The driver of the 18 wheeler had minor injuries and was transported to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment. The patrol’s crash team investigated the accident with assistance from other Patrol Troopers along with the Monroe City Police Department, Monroe City Fire Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri Highway Department.
MPSD RESPONDS TO FIRE CALL ON NORTH WESTERN STREET
On Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at approximately 5:30PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1300 block of N Western in reference to a grass fire. Responding personnel found a small woodpile burning near a bar-be-que grill and near some tools and equipment. The fire was quickly extinguished with no further damage. The resident stated he was cooking on the grill a few hours earlier and a grease fire started below it. He thought he had the fire extinguished and left the area. There were no injuries from the incident.
FLORISSANT WOMAN INDICTED FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY AND WIRE FRAUD
41 year old Tayon Hutchins Fowler of Florissant was indicted last week on two counts of wire fraud and two counts of making false statements about being disabled to the Social Security Administration (“SSA”). Fowler surrendered Monday morning to U.S. Marshals.
The indictment alleges that Fowler submitted an application for disability payments to SSA in 2012, claiming to be depressed and unable to work. After Fowler began receiving periodic disability payments from SSA, she started a home health care business and received more than $100,000 per year from this business during 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. In July 2017, Fowler sold the home health care business. In March 2018 and again in September 2018, Fowler made two false statements to SSA about not working and not receiving any income since December 2016.
Further, in December 2017, Fowler bought a luxury automobile from a local dealership. To obtain financing, Fowler made false representations to the dealership, falsely claiming that she still owned the home health care business and further was still receiving income from that business. These false representations are charged in Counts Three and Four of the Indictment as wire fraud.
If Fowler is convicted, the false statement charges have a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, while the wire fraud charges have a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Restitution to the victims is also mandatory. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of Inspector General for the Social Security Administration is investigating this case, with assistance from the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.
June 12, 2019
KANSAS WOMAN DIES FROM INJURIES RECEIVED IN MONDAY CRASH
We told you yesterday (Tues) morning about a crash involving a passenger car and a tractor trailer. The Mexico Department of Public Safety provided details on that deadly accident and said the Kansas woman involved in the collision, 34 year old Laura Ingold of Emporia, Kansas, died at University Hospital in Columbia after her auto hit a tractor trailer a little after 2pm. The crash closed the road for more than two hours. Ingold was eastbound about 2.2 miles south of East Liberty Street when she crossed the centerline and hit a trailer being towed by a westbound semi-truck, police said. The truck overturned but the driver, Courtney Williams, 47, of Mansfield, Texas, had only minor injuries and refused treatment, police said. First responders had to remove Ingold from her vehicle, and she was flown to Columbia, where she succumbed to her injuries. The bypass was closed until about 4:40 p.m. and was reduced to one lane for another two hours for cleanup. The truck was carrying aluminum oxide, a chemical compound used in some manufacturing.
GRAHAM CAVE STATE PARK OFFERS DISCOVERY BACKPACKS FOR HIKING
Graham Cave State Park offers discovery backpacks until Oct. 31 to check out on a first-come, first-served basis after 9 a.m. in the visitor’s center to take on a hike with you. While the backpacks are free to the public to check out, you must provide a valid U.S. driver’s license. Your driver’s license will be returned when the backpack is returned by 4 p.m. that same day.
Inside are identification tools for wildflowers, trees, birds, ferns and more. You will also find a pair of binoculars so you can see things far away and a hand lens so you can explore tiny things up close, like the likable world of lichens! What are lichens you ask? The answer can be found within the backpack! Park naturalists will also provide your child with a Discovery Book that is theirs to keep and fill out. If they complete all the projects in the book, they can bring it into the visitor’s center to get it stamped!
As you hike Graham Cave’s approximately five miles of trails through different, beautiful ecosystems, please remember to dress weather appropriate, take a bottle of water and have insect repellant handy.
Graham Cave State Park is located off I-70, between Kingdom City and St. Louis, on Highway TT, two miles west of Highway 161 at the 170 Exit, in Danville. For more information about the event, call Graham Cave State Park at 573-564-3476.
PATROL RELEASES 2019 SCHOOL BUS INSPECTION RESULTS
Colonel Eric T. Olsen, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces the results of the Driver & Vehicle Safety Division's 2019 annual school bus inspection program. A total of 11,958 school buses across the state of Missouri were inspected by Missouri State Highway Patrol personnel during the 2019 program. Of all buses inspected, 89.3% were approved by inspection personnel with no defective items noted during inspection.
During the annual school bus inspection program, buses found to have no defective items are rated as "approved.” Buses having one or more defective items which do not constitute an immediate danger are rated as "defective.” Buses with a defective item which constitutes an immediate danger are rated as "out-of-service.” Buses rated as "defective" may continue to be operated for the purpose of transporting students until repair is made. School districts are allowed 10 days following initial inspection to repair identified defects before being re-inspected by Highway Patrol motor vehicle inspection personnel. Buses rated as "out-of-service" must be repaired, re-inspected, and then placed back into service by Highway Patrol motor vehicle inspection personnel prior to transporting students. Buses not presented for re-inspection within the required 10-day period are reported to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Statewide 2019 annual school bus inspection results are as follows:
Buses rated as "approved" upon initial inspection -- 10,672
Buses rated as "defective" upon initial inspection -- 962
Buses rated as "out-of-service" upon initial inspection -- 324
A total of 261 Missouri school districts earned the Patrol’s Total Fleet Excellence Award, obtaining an approval rating of 90% or higher with no buses placed out-of-service. During the 2019-2020 school year 5,540 buses in these award-winning fleets are eligible to display the Total Fleet Excellence sticker in the lower corner of the first window on the passenger-entry side of the bus.
“The Missouri State Highway Patrol works closely with schools and private pupil transportation companies to ensure our students have safe transportation to and from school-related events. This professional relationship is most evident during the annual school bus inspection and results in a successful program,” said Colonel Olson. “The annual school bus inspection program is just one way the Missouri State Highway Patrol serves and protects our children and it will remain a priority."
As Missouri school bus inspection results are a matter of public record. Individual school district results are available on the Driver and Vehicle Safety Division webpage at https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/PatrolDivisions/DVSD/MVI/index.html.
June 11, 2019
SEMI AND PASSENGER VEHICLE COLLIDE ON US HIGHWAY 54 BYPASS
On Monday, at approximately 2:04PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the US Highway 54 bypass in reference to a crash involving a passenger vehicle and a tractor-trailer. The tractor-trailer turned over as a result of the crash. The driver of the passenger vehicle was flown to University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia. The bypass was closed in both directions and has now been re-opened. Traffic is slowed to one lane of travel around the crash scene as clean-up efforts continue. The crash is still under investigation.
STATEWIDE PEDESTRIAN AWARENESS CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF THIS WEEK
Whether driving a vehicle, walking or biking, keep your head up and be alert –
you don’t want to miss what matters. The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety is announcing a week-long campaign June 10-16 focusing on pedestrian safety. The campaign will be geared toward pedestrians and drivers, educating both about being alert and what to watch out for to ensure everyone is safe.
In preliminary 2018 data, 97 pedestrians were killed in Missouri and 254 were seriously injured. The top pedestrian contributing factors involved were failure to yield, alcohol or drug impairment, and distraction/inattention.
“We want to be sure that citizens are as safe as possible in all modes of transportation,” said MoDOT Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Nicole Hood. “We encourage all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to make safe choices so everyone, no matter the mode of transportation, makes it to their destination safely.”
GOVERNOR SIGNS FY 20 BUDGET BILLS
Governor Applauds General Assembly for a Productive Session a Fiscally- Responsible, Balanced Budget
Monday, Governor Parson signed the FY20 budget bills passed by the General Assembly, which focused on ongoing improvements to infrastructure and workforce development, and investing in our Missouri’s public servants.
“Every year, the legislatures are committed to protecting taxpayers’ hard-earned money,” Governor Parson said. “We are proud of the General Assembly and their efforts with the fiscal year 2020 budget. They have created a fiscally-responsible, balanced budget that will move Missouri forward.”
The total state budget is approximately $30.0 billion, including $10.2 billion general revenue. This budget also leaves $185 million set aside for future budgets. In signing the FY20 budget bills, the Governor issued zero line-item vetoes and issued no withholds, as a result of strong economic performance.
From the beginning, infrastructure has been a top priority for Governor Parson and his administration. Missouri will begin meeting infrastructure needs across the state without raising taxes by funding the following items within the existing budget:
$351.0 million for replacement and repair of bridges, including $50.0 million one-time General Revenue and $301.0 million from bonding, contingent upon the award of the federal INFRA Grant.
$50.0 million for a transportation cost-share program with local communities.
$10.8 million State Road Fund for maintenance repairs due to flooding.
$5.0 million State Road Fund for construction due to flooding.
$6.4 million for port capital improvement projects.
$5.0 million for grants to provide broadband access to under-served areas pursuant to HB 1872 (2018).
$10 million for the Multipurpose Water Resource Program, including the planning, design, construction, or renovation of public water supplies, flood control storage, drought, mitigation, and public water supply treatment or transmission facilities.
Another top priority for Governor Parson this session was creating and improving Missouri's workforce development programs. A comprehensive economic development strategy was established to include several key elements of the Governor’s workforce development priorities, which includes:
$18.9 million for the MO Excels Workforce Initiative, which develops and expands employer-driven education, training programs, and initiatives to substantially increase educational attainment.
$10.0 million Lottery Proceeds Fund to support the Fast-Track Workforce Incentive Grant Program.
$61.4 million to fully fund the education foundation formula.
$5.0 million for transportation funding for schools.
$10.4 million for the Missouri One Start Program to provide new and expanding industry training programs and basic industry retraining programs.
The Governor is also committed to moving state team member salaries to be competitive with Missouri market rates. This is part of his back-to-basics management reform agenda, which includes:
Funding for 53,932 FTEs, a reduction of 478 from FY19.
$30 million to fund a 3 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase for state employees (except MoDOT, which has its separate pay plan). This 3 percent COLA comes on top of the FY19 increase of $700 (or 1 percent for those earning over $70,000 per year). This means that the average state employee’s salary will increase over 4 percent in the FY19 and FY20.
$8.9 million for salary increases in the Department of Corrections to recruit and retain employees.
$4.9 million for MoDOT salary adjustments to address pay grid compression across government.
$5.3 million for targeted pay adjustments for about 4,500 employees to bring their salaries toward market minimum levels.
In addition, the budget incorporated the Governor’s proposal to improve economic and workforce development through a reorganization of state government that was overwhelmingly supported by the General Assembly. These changes will streamline state government and ensure it produces better outcomes for Missourians, which leads to better efficiency and long-term cost savings.
Governor Parson said, “It’s important to run Missouri with a fiscally responsible, balanced budget. We appreciate all the people involved who work extremely hard to accomplish this mission.”
June 10, 2019
PATCHING WORK PLANNED FOR THE NORTH OUTER ROAD OF I-70 IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Weather permitting, June 10-13, MoDOT crews will be doing patching work on the North Outer Road of Interstate 70 (Bonneslick Road) in Montgomery County. Traffic will be reduced to one lane from Missouri Route 19 to Missouri Route 161 while the work is completed between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. each day. All lanes will be open during the night. Again, this work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled or delayed.
ELDON MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING ACCIDENT
An Eldon man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 3:05am Sunday in Miller County. 27 year old Jacksonn Green was on Route Y when his car traveled off the right side of the roadway, he overcorrected, causing it to run off the left side of the road, hit a tree and a utility pole. He was transported by ambulance to Lake Regional Hospital with serious injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN ST. CHARLES COUNTY WRECK
A driver was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Sunday afternoon in St. Charles County. 25 year old James Davis of Hazelwood was on MO 370 when his car ran off the left side of the road, struck a guardrail, traveled down an embankment, struck a culvert, went back up the embankment, onto the roadway, coming to rest in the left lane. He was taken to St. Joseph East Hospital in St. Charles for treatment of moderate injuries.
Weekend Report- June 8-9, 2019
MAN KILLED IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
A man was killed in a motorcycle accident Saturday night in Howard County. 45 year old Michael Fuemmeler of Glasgow was on Missouri 3 when he failed to negotiate a curve, causing his motorcycle to travel off the right side of the roadway, strike a utility pole, eject him before hitting a fence. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY WRECK
A driver was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck that occurred just before 12:30pm Saturday in Franklin County. The patrol says that 46 year old Timothy Carrico of Pacific, MO was on Route O when he failed to slow down for slowing traffic, lost control and his vehicle ran off the left side of the road and ejected him from it. He was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
WOMAN SERIOUSLY HURT IN SATURDAY NIGHT CRASH
A woman was seriously hurt in a Saturday night crash in Franklin County. 51 year old Darlene Green of Richwoods, MO was on Missouri 47 and driving at a speed too fast to maintain control of her car as she was negotiating a curve in the road, crossed the center line and struck the front of a truck driven by 60 year old Timothy Ott of Washington and after impact her car slid off the left side of the roadway and struck a wooden fence post. She was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington with serious injuries.
June 7, 2019
UPDATE: SLIDE REPAIR PROJECT ON MISSOURI ROUTE 19 IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Due to all the wet conditions, the slide repair planned for Missouri Route 19 in Montgomery County was delayed. Conditions have now improved and the work is planned to resume starting Monday, June 10.
“The current embankment will be removed, and new rock will be placed to hold the soil securely in place,” said Area Engineer Erik Maninga, P.E.
Traffic may be reduced to one lane while this work is completed, so please be aware of traffic control that is in place. Crews will be installing signs to let motorists know of the upcoming work.
MEXICO FIRE STARTED BY 8 YEAR OLD PLAYING WITH GASOLINE AND A LIGHTER
On Tuesday, at approximately 7:24PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 900 block of Emmons in reference to a fire. Responding personnel found a shed burning, with flames coming through the roof. The fire was extinguished with the shed and contents suffering significant fire damage and a nearby tree partially burned as well. It was determined that an eight year-old boy started the fire while playing with gasoline and a lighter. The boy suffered minor injuries while trying to put the fire out and escape the shed. The boy was examined by personnel from Audrain Ambulance District but was not taken to a hospital.
POWER LINES DOWN WHEN STORM ROLLED THROUGH MEXICO WEDNESDAY NIGHT
On Wednesday at approximately 6:07 PM, a broken tree limb brought down power lines in the 1000 block of Muldrow as a storm moved through the area. Mexico Public Safety blocked the roadway until Ameren could make the situation safe. The roadway was closed until approximately 7:55PM. There were no injuries from this incident and no other major incidents from the storm.
GOVERNOR REQUESTS JOINT FEDERAL, STATE, & LOCAL DAMAGE ASSSESSMENTS
Governor Mike Parson announced this week that Missouri has requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessments across a total of 56 counties – almost half the 114 counties in the state – in response to tornadoes, severe storms, and worsening flooding. The joint Federal, State & Local Damage Assessment teams will survey damage that began with severe storms on April 29 and continuing since then in preparation for a request from the Governor for federal disaster assistance. “Since March, nearly every corner of the state has been impacted by historic flooding, destructive tornadoes, and severe storms,” Governor Parson said. “We’ve closed more than 380 roads, halted barge loading on the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, shut down several railroad lines, and hundreds of families have been displaced from their homes – all because Mother Nature has refused to let up this spring. Assessments are expected to begin on June 12 and will be conducted jointly by FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, State Emergency Management Agency, and local emergency management officials. SEMA will coordinate an expedited assessment process by utilizing a helicopter to survey damage to homes that are the most inaccessible and cannot be assessed on the ground. The Governor said assessments for Individual Assistance, which provides assistance to homeowners and renters who’ve experienced qualifying losses, will be prioritized over Public Assistance, which assists governments and eligible nonprofit organizations. Joint damage assessments were requested late Wednesday for the following counties:
Individual Assistance: Andrew, Atchison, Barry, Barton, Buchanan, Carroll, Chariton, Christian, Clark, Dallas, Greene, Grundy, Hickory, Holt, Jackson, Lawrence, Lewis, Pike, Polk, Saline, St. Charles, Stone, Taney, and Webster counties.
Public Assistance: Adair, Barry, Barton, Caldwell, Camden, Cedar, Chariton, Clark, Cole, Dade, Dallas, Dunklin, Gentry, Grundy, Hickory, Jasper, Knox, Laclede, Lewis, Lincoln, Linn, Macon, Marion, Mercer, Miller, Monroe, New Madrid, Nodaway, Ozark, Pulaski, Putnam, Ralls, St. Charles, St. Clair, Schuyler, Scotland, Shannon, Shelby, Stoddard, Sullivan, Taney, and Wright counties.
The teams jointly document damage to determine the resources needed to help recover from a disaster. The assessments do not include every affected home or business, but those who have experienced flood- and storm-related damage should report it to their local emergency manager. Additional counties are expected to be added to the request for joint assessments as they collect more information about damage locally.
June 6, 2019
MISSOURI ROUTE 19 CLOSED TO TRACTOR TRAILER TRAFFIC
Tractor trailers needing to go south on Missouri Route 19 at Interstate 70 will have to
use an alternate route as MO 19 is closed to trucks due to flooding in Hermann. “There is nowhere for tractor trailers to turn around safely on Highway 19 between I-70 and Hermann, except MO 94,” said Missouri Department of Transportation Area Engineer Erik Maninga. He explained, “They need to stay on the interstate and use a different route,” he added. The flooding is occurring in front of the Ford dealership on Highway 19 and is caused by backup from the Missouri River. Other vehicles are able to go into Hermann to access their destinations.
MAN KILLED IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY ACCIDENT
A man was killed in an accident that occurred just before 7pm Tuesday in Montgomery County. The patrol says that a car was parked in the passing lane of westbound I-70 when it was struck in the rear by a truck driven by 68 year old Kevin Jackson of Lawrence, KS. The man in the car, 83 year old Ali Mahmud of Hazelwood, MO was taken to University Hospital in Columbia where he died from his injuries a short time later.
DRIVER INJURED IN WEDNESDAY NIGHT WRECK
An Owensville driver was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday night in Gasconade County. 35 year old Jeremy Selph was on Highway 19 when his vehicle traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. He was transported to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of moderate injuries.
June 5, 2019
MKT TRAIL ACCESS CLOSED AT JAY DIX STATION DUE TO FLOODING
As of yesterday (TUES), the MKT Trail access at Jay Dix Station located at 3725 S. Scott Blvd. in Columbia is closed until further notice due to flooding. Additionally, the county portion of the MKT Trail, northeast of the boardwalk at Brushwood Lake and the bridge at Perche Creek, is also flooded. Trail users are advised not to venture southwest beyond the Scott Boulevard access point, 3800 S. Scott Blvd. The MKT Trail is open from Flat Branch Park in downtown Columbia to the Scott Boulevard access, just east of Jay Dix Station. All other trails within the city limits of Columbia are open.
COLUMBIA POLICE CRUISER AND MOTORCYCLE COLLIDE RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURIES
Last night (TUES) at approximately 8 p.m., a Columbia Police officer was involved in a motor vehicle crash with a motorcycle on Brown Station Road near the intersection of Leeway Drive in Columbia. The officer was driving a marked police vehicle northbound on Brown Station Road, which has a double yellow centerline paint stripe to mark the lanes. The motorcycle was traveling southbound in the northbound lane and collided with the police vehicle. The driver of the motorcycle sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for medical care. The officer sustained minor injuries. Additional details will be released when the official crash report is complete. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652.
GRANDVIEW MAN DIES IN CALLAWAY COUNTY WRECK ON INTERSTATE 70
The highway patrol said one man died after being thrown from his vehicle at 5:48 AM Monday morning in Callaway County. According to the report, a tractor trailer driven by 37 year old Ray E. Hale of Erie, PA was in the westbound passing lane of I70 near the 151 and a half mile marker in Callaway County and changed into the driving lane and struck another westbound auto driven by 69 year old Craig R. Cooper of Grandview. Cooper’s auto overcorrected and ran off the right side of the roadway and overturned, ejecting the driver. Craig was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was taken to the Boone/Callaway County Medical Examiner’s office in Columbia.
June 4, 2019
GOVERNOR VISITS FLOOD IMPACTED AREAS IN NORTHEAST MISSOURI
Yesterday, Governor Parson toured the flood damage in Northeast Missouri at three stops: Hannibal, Canton, and Clarskville. At each stop, Governor Parson met with local officials and then toured flooded areas. The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency continues to coordinate with state and local officials, the National Weather Service, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers while ongoing flooding affects many areas across the state. SEMA has assisted with flood fighting resources in 33 counties. Twenty-eight levee breaches have been reported across the state. In Hannibal, the Mississippi River crested at 30.15 feet on June 1, as the second highest record in history. In Canton, the Mississippi River crested at 27.11 feet on June 1, as the third highest record in history. In Clarksville, earlier projections called for river levels to brush within an inch or so of record heights, but due to some upstream levee breaches the river level forecast has changed. With more rain expected locally and upstream, there is a possibility for a secondary crest in the foreseeable future. Temporary barriers totaling 1,560 feet in length around businesses in the downtown area have been built. Storms from June 1 have left 27 homes out of power and have caused some flooding around the water treatment facility. SEMA has coordinated the deployment of two pumps and two generators to keep the facility online. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, there are approximately 382 roads closed in 56 counties due to flooding. On May 27, Governor Parson activated the Missouri National Guard and has deployed for flood fighting assistance in Brunswick, Canton, Clarksville, Hannibal, Hardin, and Norborne. A mission in Jefferson City includes staging vehicles for high-water rescue. Missouri Department of Corrections offenders from Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center; Boonville and Tipton Correctional Centers; and Eastern Reception, Diagnostic & Correctional Center are helping with sandbagging efforts in Clarksville, Norborne, New Franklin, and Kimmswick.
MISSOURI RIVER BRIDGE NORTH OF BOONVILLE CLOSED TO FLOODING
Flooding along the Missouri River has led to the closure of a major crossing point that could have an ongoing impact on commuters. The Missouri Department of Transportation has closed the Route 40 bridge over the Missouri River just north of Boonville. The road will remain closed until further notice. The bridge is the latest closure in the area as the Missouri River remains in the major flooding stage.
US HOUSE PASSAGE OF DISASTER RELIEF BILL
Representative Sam Graves released the following statement after voting in favor of the disaster relief package and said the relief package, which passed the Senate on May 23rd, now goes to President Trump. The bill allows USDA to cover on-farm stored grain lost to flooding, an issue facing many farmers in North Missouri. It allocates $3 billion to agriculture programs for crop and livestock losses, in addition to $558 million for farmland rehabilitation. The bill also includes money to repair damaged flood control projects as well as repair roads damaged in recent flooding. Missouri Corn Growers Association President Mark Scott, a farmer from Wentzville pointed out the disaster package includes aid for those who lost stored grain and assistance for acres that were prevented from planting, although details on how that aid will be distributed are still to be determined by Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue once the bill is signed.
June 3, 2019
SHOWERS, THUNDERSTORMS & MORE EXPECTED THIS WEEK
The National Weather Service says periods of showers and thunderstorms are expected again this week and storms could be strong to severe. Plus, any additional heavy rains may lead to additional flooding concerns. Be weather aware and keep your radio tuned to a Best Broadcast Group Station for the latest weather information.
REPLACEMENT OF LOUTRE RIVER BRIDGE ON I-70 BEGINS THIS WEEK
Work will begin to replace the Loutre River Bridge on westbound Interstate 70 Monday night. While two lanes of traffic will still be open throughout most of the project, the speed limit will be reduced to 60 mph, and the lanes will be narrowed from 12’ to 10’9”, with narrowed shoulders. “The first stage of construction is to rebuild the right shoulder, and this work will be done at night,” said Missouri Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Rick Domzalski. The next stage of work will be to shift traffic to the right and build the first half of the bridge to the left. Once that’s complete, traffic will be shifted onto that portion of the bridge and the final stage, to be completed next year, will be to build the rest of the bridge. Domzalski explained the extra bridge width built in the median to maintain two lanes of traffic during this project will be available for future expansion of the interstate.
After the shoulder work is done and work begins on the bridge, the contractor will work during the day, behind temporary traffic barrier for the safety of the workers.
The project was awarded by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission to Phillips Hardy for $5.4 million and includes replacement of the westbound bridge. The work is expected to be fully completed by August 2020.
During the shoulder reconstruction, and while making traffic shifts between stages, there will be lane closures within the work zone. During those closures, the truck parking facility between mile markers 169 and 170 will also close. The contractor is constructing the bridge in phases to primarily maintain two-lane traffic through the project. The contractor may work, but will not be allowed to close lanes of the Interstate during holiday weekends or on weekends of home University of Missouri-Columbia football games.
HIGHWAY PATROL ARREST
A St. Louis man was arrested by a State Trooper at 11 PM Saturday night in Randolph County. The patrol said 43 year old Michael D. Kelly was charged with DWI as a prior offender and for driving the wrong direction on a highway. He was transported to the Randolph County jail in Huntsville.
2019 KATY TRAIL RIDE CANCELLED
Due to the recent widespread flooding along the Missouri River over the past month, Missouri State Parks and the Missouri State Park Foundation are canceling the 2019 Katy Trail Ride. The five-day, 240-mile annual ride, which takes travelers through many of Missouri's rural communities, along open fields and between the Missouri River and its bordering bluffs, usually draws some 350 bicyclists from across the nation and overseas. Currently, nearly 100 miles of Katy Trail State Park are closed due to flooding from Boonville east to St. Charles. While the Missouri River is forecasted to crest at near record levels early next week, it will take days to weeks for it to recede from some parts of the trail. At that point, Missouri State Parks staff will assess the damage to the trail and form a plan to begin rebuilding the trail. Based on the damage encountered from the 1993 Missouri River flood, staff anticipates scour holes, washouts, bridge damage, downed trees, debris, silt accumulation and inconsistent trail surfacing. Missouri State Parks is committed to reopening the trail as soon as possible and to hosting the 20th annual Katy Ride in June 2020, in time to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Katy Trail State Park. Information for the 2020 ride will be posted on the Missouri State Parks website in January, at mostateparks.com.
Weekend Report- June 1-2, 2019
HERMANN MAN INJURED IN GASCONADE COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Hermann man was injured in an accident that occurred at 4am Sunday in Gasconade County. 31 year old Jeffrey Burris was on MO 100 when his truck traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. He was taken to Hermann Area District Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
MOTORCYCLIST SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EARLY SATURDAY MORNING CRASH
A Jefferson City man was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash early Saturday morning in Cole County. The patrol says that they were in pursuit of a motorcycle ridden by 28 year old Jonathon Cooper on 4816 Rainbow Drive in Jefferson City when the motorcycle ran off the right side of the road and overturned. He was transported by Airlift to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN FRIDAY NIGHT WRECK
A Fulton driver was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Friday night in Callaway County. 42 year old Matthew Tarrants was on Route UU when his car traveled off the left side of the road, struck an embankment, became airborne, overturned and came to rest off the north side of the roadway. He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to University Hospital for treatment.
May 31, 2019
FLOODED ROADS CONTINUES TO PLAY HAVIC WITH DRIVERS
Flooded highways continues to make travel difficult across the area along with significant travel detours and delays, and in some cases detours are not possible leaving some with boats being the only form of available transportation in and out of some flooded areas. Plus, as the massive amounts of water continues to make its way south, roads that may have been flooded and later re-opened end up flooding again. If you must travel anywhere in Missouri over the weekend or early next week, visit the traveler information map available at www.moDOT.org where you’ll find flood information, road closures, detours and more.
THREE PEOPLE TRANSPORTED TO AREA HOSPITAL FOLLOWING 2 VEHICLE CRASH
Three Centralia residents were transported to University Hospital for treatment following a two vehicle crash on Route BB in Boone County, just north of Birch Street at 1:13 PM, Thursday. The patrol said 55 year old Julie C. Nichols of Centralia was northbound and failed to see another vehicle driven by 83 year old Robert Jennings of Centralia. The front of Nichols auto then struck the rear of the Jennings vehicle. Nichols received serious injuries while Jennings had moderate injuries. A passenger in the Jennings auto, 80 year old Mary Jennings sustained minor injuries.
MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT BUSY WITH VAROUS CALLS
On Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at approximately 7:56PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1200 block of N Washington in reference to a structure fire. A passerby had called, reporting smoke coming from a home in that block. Responding personnel found the fire in the kitchen. The fire was contained and extinguished in that room, with the kitchen suffering significant fire damage, nearby rooms suffering heat damage, and the entire house suffering smoke damage. It was determined the stove was accidentally left on after the residents left the home. On Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at approximately 1140 AM, the Mexico Public Schools and Mexico Public Safety learned of a disturbance in the parking lot of MHS as some summer school students were leaving campus. The disturbance involved both students and parents. Mexico Public Safety investigated the incident throughout the afternoon and evening. A report will be forwarded to the Audrain County Prosecuting Attorney for the filing of criminal charges against some of those involved. There were no injuries from the incident. On Thursday, May 30th, 2019 at the beginning of the school day, Staff members were speaking with some of the students involved and were checking to make sure they did not continue or escalate the disturbance. Staff discovered that one of the students brought a knife to school and one of the students brought a handgun. Both students were taken into custody by Mexico Public Safety. The student who brought the knife was processed at MPSD and released pending the filing of criminal charges. The student who brought the gun, Jaiden L Hawkins, age 18 of Mexico, was taken to the Audrain County Jail to post bond for Unlawful Use of Weapon and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. No students were threatened with either weapon.
May 30, 2019
RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE FIRE IN COLUMBIA – ONE PERSON DEAD
The Columbia Fire Department and the Columbia Police Department were dispatched to a residential structure fire at 2112 Southwood Drive on Wednesday at 9:26 a.m. Initial reports from 911 callers indicated several small explosions occurred. Units arrived on the scene in less than five minutes and observed a single-family residence fully involved with fire. Crews deployed preconnected hose lines and elevated fire streams from aerial devices and began an aggressive, defensive fire attack. The fire was brought under control in about an hour. All but a small portion of a side wall was destroyed. Due to significant damage and dangerous working conditions, a trackhoe was requested to aid in the investigation. Three Columbia Fire investigators were dispatched to the scene to conduct a fire origin and cause investigation. It has been determined that three individuals occupied the residence. Two of the occupants have been accounted for. At approximately 2 p.m., a body was located in the debris. CPD has identified the deceased as Brian M. Keeney, 59, of Columbia.
ONGOING FLOODING CAUSES EVACUATION POSTING
The Howard County Sheriff’s office posted a note from Howard County Emergency Management on Social Media Wednesday calling for residents in Southern Howard County to evacuate in the Petersburg area due to continued flooding along the Missouri River. The alert also affects residents of New Franklin South of Sulphur Street, the residents of Franklin, and the residents along Highway Z in Howard County.
WERDCC CONDUCTING AN EMERGENCY EXERCISE
Within the next week, the Women's Eastern Reception Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Vandalia will be conducting its annual emergency exercise. This exercise will involve staff members from WERDCC and possibly other law enforcement agencies. As a result there may be an increase in corrections and law enforcement staff and/or equipment in the community. This joint exercise will assist the Missouri Department of Corrections in remaining prepared to address emergencies and to make communities safer.
May 29, 2019
PATCHING OPERATIONS PLANNED FOR ROUTES IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Weather permitting, MoDOT crews will be doing pavement work on the following routes in Montgomery County.
Montgomery County Route WW - May 28-29, one lane traffic at various locations between MO 19 and North Outer Road of I-70 (Boonslick Road) for patching operations. Work will be completed between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. each day.
Montgomery County Route E - May 30-31, one lane traffic at various locations between
Montgomery County Route V and North Outer Road of I-70 (Boonslick Road) for patching operations. Work will be completed between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. each day.
Again, this work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled or delayed.
MEXICO
PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
On Monday, May 27, 2019 at approximately 5:45PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 900 block of S Western in reference to a fire in an unattached garage. Responding personnel found that the passenger compartment of a vehicle in the garage had burned. The fire had almost completely self-extinguished prior to MPSD arrival with the vehicle suffering significant damage. The fire did not damage the garage. Investigation revealed that there had been a disturbance in the home and as one of the parties left, they lit the car on fire. With the help of deputies from the Audrain County Sheriff’s Office, officers attempted to locate the suspect at several locations but were unable to. There were no injuries from the fire and only minor injuries from the disturbance. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
THE 100 DEADLIEST DAYS OF SUMMER BEGINS THIS WEEKEND!
Watermelon. Flip flops. Doing a cannonball off the high dive on a sunny afternoon. Summer can evoke any number of wonderful memories. But summer also has a dark side. In 2018, there were 307 fatalities on Missouri roads in the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The Missouri Department of Transportation and the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety urge all who travel in and around the Show-Me State during the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” to buckle up, slow down, drive sober and never drive distracted. “It’s easy to let your mind wander when you’re on the road in search of summer fun,” said Jon Nelson, executive chair to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety. “Drivers should always be aware of their surroundings, especially with the increased traffic. Never drive too fast for the conditions and be aware of everything that is going on around you. ”In 2018, more than half of the 107 motorcycle fatalities occurred in the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer. The warm, sunny days also bring out more bicyclists and pedestrians. And last winter’s brutal weather conditions mean you’re likely to encounter more MoDOT road crews who will be repairing the damage. Just a single moment’s distraction can lead to a life-or-death encounter. Be proactive in your own safety. Of the drivers and passengers killed in 2018 traffic crashes, 62% were not wearing a seatbelt. Don’t take a vacation from safety!
May 28, 2019
MISSOURI NATIONAL GUARD ACTIVATED TO ASSIST IN FLOOD FIGHTING & RECOVERY FROM STORMS
Governor Mike Parson has activated the Missouri National Guard as the state continues to respond to damaging flooding, tornadoes, and severe storms and remains under the threat of additional flooding and severe storms this week. Some area residents in the Glasgod area say this is the highest flood levels they’ve seen since the 1993 flood. In Carroll county, the Sheriff’s department said a truck driver was rescued Monday morning from flood waters after his dump truck became stuck near highway 10 between Carrollton and Norborne. And the Chariton County Emergency Management Agency asked for help filling sandbags over the holiday weekend. Executive Order 19-09 which has been signed by the Governor, provides for Guard unit deployments in Chariton County to support flood fighting efforts in the Brunswick area. The Guard will also be staging and utilizing high-water vehicles to support flood response operations in Jefferson City. Governor Parson made the decision to activate the Guard after conferring with the state emergency management team, including officials from the Missouri Department of Public Safety, State Emergency Management Agency, and the Missouri National Guard. Governor Parson also urged Missourians to continue to pay close attention to the weather this week and be prepared to take protective action, as additional severe storms are possible for parts of Missouri this week. On Tuesday, May 21, Governor Parson declared a state of emergency in Missouri in response to the continuing severe weather and forecasts for tornadoes, strong straight-line winds, hail, heavy rainfall, and worsening flooding due to prolonged soil inundation throughout the state. On Wednesday, May 22, Missouri was hit by a series of tornadoes and severe storms that killed three people and destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes and businesses in Carl Junction, Golden City, Eldon, and Jefferson City. In response to earlier flooding and storms this year, on May 20, President Donald Trump approved Governor Parson’s request for a major disaster declaration to help local governments and nonprofit agencies in 13 Missouri counties recover from devastating flooding and severe storms that occurred from March 11 to April 16. That declaration made federal assistance available for the repair of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure, along with emergency response costs associated with the March 11 to April 16 storm system and flooding in Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Carroll, Chariton, Holt, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Perry, Platte, Ray, and Ste. Genevieve counties. The Governor’s April 24 request said $25 million in qualifying expenses had already been identified. As would be expected, a number of roads are closed due to flooding. If you’re going to be traveling anywhere for the next several days, you’re encouraged to check the MODOT Traveler map for the latest road closure updates.
FIRE SHUT DOWN BOTH WESTBOUND LANES OF I-70 MONDAY AFTERNOON
A truck fire shutdown the westbound lanes of Interstate 70 in Boone County, according to officials with MoDOT and traffic had to be diverted. In a tweet, officials said both lanes of the Interstate were closed between the Route 40 and Route J interchanges west of Columbia. Traffic is being diverted around the sight. Some thought the truck was hauling straw or hay and that was what was on fire. Turns out it was logs. The Missouri State Highway Patrol said it happened near mile marker 118 and caused significant delays. MoDOT said one lane was back open by 5:20 pm.
SOUTHEAST MO HOMICIDE SUSPECT ARRESTED IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
A man accused of murder in a shooting at a civic center in the southeastern part of the state has been arrested in Montgomery County. Authorities responded to a shots fired call at a civic center on Friday where they found a man fatally shot in the head. Officers identified Rodney Johnson as a suspect as well as possible vehicles he could be driving. The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office said that deputies found a vehicle Sunday morning driving west on I-70 that matched the description of a suspect car in the investigation. They conducted a traffic stop and took Johnson into custody. He was arrested on suspicion of 1st degree murder, armed criminal action, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon.
May 24, 2019
VIOLENT STORMS POUND MISSOURI-TORNADOS RIP ACROSS THE STATE LEAVING AT LEAST 3 DEAD AND CATASTROPIC DAMAGE
The National Weather Service confirmed that a large and violent twister moved over Jefferson City shortly before midnight Wednesday and left the state capital city in shambles as the violent twister tore apart buildings, trapped residents and more. The State capital building, including the famed Dome sustained significant damage, but is still standing. The tornado cut a path about 3 miles long and a mile wide from the southern end of Jeff City, north toward the raging Missouri River that has been producing its own kind of devastation. The tornado was part of the same storm system that resulted in at least 22 tornado warnings and was responsible for the deaths of at least 3 people in Southwest Missouri earlier in the day. Jefferson City was already reeling as another natural disaster is unfolding as the swollen Missouri River is projected to top a levee on the north side of the river sometime today, potentially flooding the city's airport, which already has been evacuated. That location was also to be the host of the annual Salute to Veterans’ Air Show this weekend which draws thousands of people to the Mid Missouri area. Event organizers had already made the decision to cancel the popular event because of flooding concerns.
AUXVASSE TEENAGER HURT IN CALLAWAY COUNTY ATV CRASH
The patrol worked an accident in Callaway County on County Road 10-48, one quarter of a mile east of highway 54 just before 5 PM Wednesday. According to the report, 14 year old Eli Henry of Auxvasse was operating an ATV when he failed to negotiate a curve and lost control. The vehicle then traveled off the west side of the road and struck a utility pole. Henry sustained moderate injuries and was transported to University Hospital in Columbia by Callaway County EMS.
May 23, 2019
STORMS POUND THE AREA LEAVING MANY WITHOUT POWER - SUBSTANCIAL DAMAGE IN SOME AREAS - AT LEAST 3 DEATHS REPORTED
A devastating series of storms late Wednesday spawned multiple tornadoes that caused extensive damage and led to at least three deaths in Missouri. The National Weather Service confirmed that Missouri's capital, Jefferson City, was hit by a "violent tornado." The tornado prompted an unrelenting stream of 911 calls, with some reporting serious injuries. In Jefferson City, multiple buildings were damaged, including a large apartment complex. Emergency crews in Jefferson City were attempting to rescue people trapped in buildings, but downed power lines were making rescue difficult. Jeff City officials have asked people to stay off the streets. A press conference early this morning, Jefferson City Police Lt David Williams called the aftermath a chaotic situation. From what we’ve been able to gather most of the damage appears to be along Ellis Boulevard, Dunklin Street and Stadium Boulevard. City officials requested assistance from FEMO who delegated Missouri Tack Force One to assist. Ameren officials say they have several gas leaks in the area and that thousands are without power. The mayor of Jefferson City had already declared a State of Emergency and ordered residents in northern Jeff City to evacuate and that was due to flooding issues. Now they are dealing with storm damage in addition to all the other concerns. To the south of Jefferson City, Eldon was also hard hit by storms. Other reports submitted to the National Weather service include flooded roads, downed trees, power outages and hail. At least three people were killed earlier in Joplin, in the southwest of the state.
WEIGHT ALLOWANCE ANNOUNCED BY MODOT IN FLOOD RELIEF EFFORTS
The Missouri Department of Transportation today announced an allowance for heavier-than-normal truckloads of rock, sand and gravel to travel on Missouri highways in flood relief. The waiver allows private and for-hire motor carriers to haul up to 10% more than their licensed weight on Missouri highways.
The waiver remains in effect through June 21. While the waiver is in effect, participating motor carriers are limited to:
- A loaded, gross weight no greater than 10% above the gross licensed weight of the commercial motor vehicle;
- Transportation of rock, sand and gravel only within the state of Missouri;
- Drivers must obey posted bridge weight limits;
- When crossing a bridge, the driver must restrict the vehicle speed to no more than 30 mph;
- Travel is only allowed on non-interstate highways. NO TRAVEL IS ALLOWED ON MISSOURI INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS.
POTENTIAL FOR MAJOR FLOODING THROUGHTOUT THE STATE - FLOODING CAUSES SPECIAL HAZARDS
The National Weather Service is warning of the potential for major flooding throughout the state, particularly along the Missouri River, which will affect the cities of Boonville, Jefferson City, Hermann and Washington. With the Memorial Day weekend approaching, the Missouri Department of Transportation is urging travelers to plan their routes ahead of time and to pay attention to all road closure signs. During flooding, the road may no longer exist under the running or stationary water. Floodwaters can be deeper than they appear and can hide such hazards as sharp objects, electrical wires, sewage and chemical In addition, MoDOT reminds motorists never to move or attempt to drive around barricades that block flooded roads. Barricades are put in place for motorists’ safety, yet MoDOT and law enforcement officials report they continue to see drivers either maneuver around the road blocks or move them to get through. “Moving a barricade is dangerous for the person doing it and also puts others at risk by removing the warning sign,” said Natalie Roark, state maintenance director. “Whether driving or walking, any time you come to a flooded area or barricade, remember the saying: turn around, don’t drown.”Here are some important safety reminders:
• Don't drive through any flooded areas. A few extra minutes for a detour could lead to a life saved.
• MoDOT reminds motorists it only takes six inches of water (or less!) to lose control of your vehicle and possibly be swept into rising floodwaters.
• Any time there is water over the roadway, there may be unseen damage to the road surface below.
• Stay alert and do not drive through water over a roadway or around construction barricades. MoDOT encourages all motorists to Turn Around! Don’t Drown!
Motorists can stay informed about Missouri road conditions by using MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map, available online at modot.org, or through MoDOT’s smartphone app, available for iPhone and Android mobile devices
May 22, 2019
GOVERNOR DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY
Missouri Governor Mike Parson has officially declared a state of emergency due to worsening weather conditions, additional flooding and more. With this weekend being a holiday, a number of events are being affected by the weather including the Salute to Veterans Air show Celebration which was scheduled for this weekend at the Jeff City airport, but due to flooding along the Missouri River the airport has been evacuated. Event planners say its even more disappointing as this would have been the first time the event has been scheduled in Jefferson City. This year’s show would have been the 31st annual show. Amtrak to suspend its River Runner passenger rail route and Rocheport has issued a call for help bagging sand. Even though the river in Jeff City is expected to crest tomorrow at over 2 feet past flood stage, Salute to Veterans media chair Jessica Houston said the flooding has rendered the show impossible and all events Saturday and Sunday are canceled, but Monday’s Memorial Day parade is scheduled to proceed as planned. Jefferson City officials will finalize their decision on the parade by Thursday, according to a Facebook post from Salute to Veterans .The show was moved to Jefferson City this year because of construction at the Columbia Regional Airport, according to previous Missourian reporting. The state of emergency was declared after first responders performed water rescues in Jasper and Newton counties Monday and Tuesday. A severe storm Monday night in Hickory County sent four people to the hospital after campers were flipped by the storm. Ongoing and forecast severe storm systems have caused, or have the potential to cause, damage associated with tornadoes, high winds, hail, heavy rains, flooding and flash flooding,” the executive order said.
MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT ARRESTED WOMAN FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE & MORE
On Saturday, May 18, 2019 at approximately 10:36 AM, an alert citizen reported suspicious activity in the 200 block of Morris. Responding personnel located Britney L Harper, age 29 of Mexico damaging a building owned by a business in the area. Harper was processed at the Mexico Public Safety Department and taken to the Audrain County Jail for Property Damage 2nddegree, Trespassing 2nd degree, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
STORM DAMAGE IN MEXICO SATURDAY
During the evening of Saturday, May 18, 2019, strong winds and heavy rains moved through the Mexico area as storms went across Missouri. Mexico Public Safety responded to about eight incidents of trees or large limbs in the roadway or pulling down power lines. At about 6:38PM a large limb broke a power line in the 800 block of Lafayette. The line remained charged, burning a section of grass. MPSD kept people away from the line and monitored the situation to help ensure nothing else caught fire. Ameren responded in about 30 minutes and made the situation safe. Ameren crews and the City of Mexico Street Department cleared electric lines and the roadways after the storm passed. There were no reported injuries.
May 21, 2019
WEATHER CONTINUES TO MAKE THE NEWS
Rain, rain and more rain and today is no different as we had a large complex of rain and storms track across the area overnight and the threat of severe storms returns this afternoon. We’re looking for a line of strong storms to develop late this afternoon and early tonight as a strong cold front will move in from the west and collide with a warm front that is lifting north and ushering in a more unstable air mass early today. In addition to the potential for severe weather, heavy rainfall is also expected. Flood and Flash flood watches and warnings are already posted across the region and include portions of central Missouri, north central Missouri, northeast Missouri, and west central Missouri, including the following areas, in central Missouri, Cooper, Howard, Pettis, and Saline. In north central Missouri, Chariton, Linn MO, Macon, and Randolph. In northeast Missouri, Adair and Schuyler. In west central Missouri, Henry and Johnson MO. Total rainfall amounts of 2 to 3 inches plus will be possible during this period. This rainfall will fall on already saturated soils, increasing the potential for flash flooding. Low-lying and flood-prone areas will be most susceptible to the dangers of flash flooding. Areas near rivers, creeks, and streams will likely become flooded during and immediately after heavy rainfall.
SEMI OVERTURNS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY AFFECTING WESTBOUND TRAFFIC ON I-70
Troop F of the Highway Patrol said it took about two hours to reopen both westbound lanes of I-70 last (MON) night when a tractor trailer unit overturned near Danville a little before 7 PM. The truck driver was not injured. Clean up crews shut down one of the westbound lanes as the wreckage was cleaned up. The patrol said the truck was hauling 41,000 pounds of meat.
TWO INJURED IN CRASH AT MISSOURI RIVER BRIDGE ON I-70
The highway patrol said two Nebraska residents were injured in a crash on I-70 Westbound on the Missouri River Bridge near Rocheport at 10:50 last (Mon) night. 29 year old Kyle G. Norton of Omaha was the driver and received moderate injuries while a passenger, Norrian C. Norton of Omaha received minor injuries. Norton was transported by University EMS to University Hospital in Columbia while the passenger was transported by Cooper County EMS to Cooper County Memorial Hospital in Boonville. The wreck occurred when the Norton vehicle hydroplaned and struck the center bridge wall. The car was then struck by two semi trucks. The truck drivers were not injured but the westbound lanes of the Interstate were closed for some time.
COLUMBIA POLICE ARREST INDIVIDUAL ENTERING HOMES NAKED
Columbia Police arrested Victor Hugo Mendoza, 35, of Columbia on charges of two counts of Burglary 1st Degree, two counts of Sexual Misconduct 1st Degree, Assault 4th Degree, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Resisting Arrest. The arrest was in relation to Mendoza entering two different homes early morning hours on Saturday, May 18. He was found naked in the bedroom by the residents after they woke up. Thanks to the effort and vigilance of many, Mendoza was taken into custody less than 12 hours after the press conference on Sunday afternoon.
May 20, 2019
PATCHING OPERATIONS PLANNED FOR ROUTES IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Weather permitting, MoDOT crews will be doing pavement work on the following routes in Montgomery County.
Missouri Route 161 - May 20-22, one lane traffic at various locations between Interstate 70 and Missouri Route 19 at Montgomery City for patching operations. Work will be completed between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. each day.
Montgomery County Route WW - May 23-24, one lane traffic at various locations between MO 19 and North Outer Road of I-70 (Boonslick Road) for patching operations. Work will be completed between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. each day.
Montgomery County Route E - May 28-30, one lane traffic at various locations between Montgomery County Route V and North Outer Road of I-70 (Boonslick Road) for patching operations. Work will be completed between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. each day.
Again, this work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled or delayed.
COLUMBIA POLICE SEEKING INFO ABOUT INDIVIDUAL REPORTED ENTERING HOMES NAKED
The Columbia Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying an individual who was found naked in the bedrooms of two residences in the early morning hours of Saturday, May 18. The individual entered homes in the 5800 block of Canaveral Drive and the 5800 block of Neptune. In both incidents, the residents woke up and found the individual naked in their bedrooms. In one home he was located under the bed, and the other he was located on the floor. The individual left both homes immediately when he was confronted. He entered both homes through unlocked doors and additional information indicates the same individual attempted to enter other homes in the area. There was no evidence of forced entry in either incident and no reported property damage, missing items or injuries. Anyone with additional information about this individual or these incidents is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or Crimestoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
WOMAN INJURED IN SUNDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
A woman was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Sunday afternoon in Lincoln County. Kylie Enos of Millwood, MO was turning left onto Flamm Road from Route O when her vehicle traveled off the road, struck a utility pole and ejected the driver. She was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment of moderate injuries.
Weekend Report- May 18-19, 2019
FREIGHTLINER OVERTURNS IN CALLAWAY COUNTY
A man was injured in an accident that occurred at around 6:20pm Saturday in Callaway County. 57 year old Aldo Myers of Kingston, TN was on US 54 when a gust of wind caused his freightliner to overturn. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.
TWO INJURED IN SATURDAY MORNING WRECK
Two people were injured in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday morning in Miller County. The patrol says that 20 year old Darian Calhoun of Eldon was on Route Y when he fell asleep at the wheel, causing his car to travel off the roadway, strike a mailbox and a driveway, before overturning and ejecting both the driver and his passenger from the vehicle. Both the driver and his passenger sustained moderate injuries. Darian Calhoun was transported by ambulance to Lake Regional Hospital while 19 year old Camryn Zinn of Columbia was taken to University Hospital for treatment.
WOMAN SERIOUSLY HURT IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING WRECK
A Florissant woman was seriously hurt in an early Sunday morning crash in St. Charles County. 22 year old Mariah Johnson was eastbound on I-70 when her vehicle ran off the right side of the road, struck the guardrail and then returned to the roadway, traveled off the left side of the road and struck the concrete median barrier. She was taken to St. Joseph East Hospital in St. Charles with serious injuries.
May 17, 2019
MAIN STREET MOBERLY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO STEP DOWN
Diane Richardson, Main Street Moberly Executive Director informed the Board of Directors Thursday morning that she will be leaving the organization at the end of the month. She said this has been a difficult decision for her as she’s pondered it over the past several months. She went on to say she is proud of the accomplishments of the Main Street Moberly organization, and will continue to support their revitalization efforts. Paula Heath, the Main Street President, has been in communication with Missouri Main Street Connection as well as local key stakeholders and will continue to facilitate the transitioning process. Richardson has been Executive Director of Main Street Moberly for the past five years.
MISSOURI ROUTE 87 IN HOWARD COUNTY TO BE CLOSED FOR PIPE REPAIRS
Crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation will replace a cross pipe on Route 87 between Route E and County Road 323 next week. The work will close Route E from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21 through Thursday, May 30. Motorists are advised to seek an alternate route around the work area. MoDOT appreciates the patience of travelers during the work.
CLICK IT OR TICKET ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN BEGINS NEXT WEEK
Longer days and warmer weather mean summer fun is almost here. As you gear up for a weekend excursion, or maybe even a road trip with family and friends, make sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up for every trip. The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety is joining with state and local law enforcement May 20 – June 2 in the national “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign to highlight the importance of buckling up. Along with wearing a seat belt, they want to remind motorists put the phone down, Buckle Up Phone Down. Drivers are the first level of prevention in traffic crashes. It’s important to give 100% focus to the task of driving, which includes putting down or turning the cell phone off when driving. Wearing a seat belt is the most effective way to reduce injuries and fatalities in a crash. When worn correctly, seat belts can reduce the risk of death for front seat occupants of passenger cars by 45%. If you know anyone who does not buckle up when they drive, please ask them to change their habit. Help us spread this life-saving message before one more friend or family member dies needlessly. Seat belts save lives, and everyone—front seat and back, child and adult—needs to remember to buckle up every trip, every time.”
May 16, 2019
BOONVILLE SHOOTING – SUSPECT IN CUSTODY
Boonville Police and the Highway Patrol were busy investigating a shooting incident that occurred in Boonville Wednesday afternoon. A news release from the Boonville Police Department said officers were dispatched to a reported shooting in the Riviera Drive neighborhood, near Harley Park, at approximately 1:05 PM. Boonville Police said two people were shot and taken to University Hospital in Columbia where one was treated and released and the other remains in critical condition. One person is in custody and no word on what led up to the shootings. Authorities said they are not looking for any other suspects at this time, but the investigation is ongoing. The Cooper County EMS sent out a text message around 6pm informing area residents that the earlier text message for the Harley Park area situation had been downgraded. The earlier message had encouraged people within a 2 mile radius of Harley Park to stay inside and lock doors.
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK CONTINUES THROUGH SUNDAY
May 13th – 19th is National Police Week and as part of the weeklong event, yesterday, May 15th was set aside as Peace Officers Memorial Day, a time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. A website we recently discovered serves as a reminder of the many risks of law enforcement. When you visit the Officer Down Memorial Page at www.odmp.org and do a search of of Missouri, you’ll find 681 Line of Duty deaths in the Show Me State. We believe it’s important to remember all the Law enforcement hero’s … so from everyone at the Best Broadcast Group to all the men and women in blue who serve and protect and continue to put your life on the line every single day for all the rest of us, we simply want to say “Watch each other’s backs, be safe and THANK YOU!
DED AWARDS $168,685 IN TAX CREDITS TO BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF ST. CHARLES COUNTY
The Missouri Department of Economic Development has awarded $168,685 in Youth Opportunity Program (YOP) tax credits to the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County, a non-profit agency that serves children and teens throughout St. Charles County. YOP helps non-profit organizations raise private-sector funds by providing partial state tax credits to businesses that make contributions to approved youth development projects. The Boys & Girls Club began serving St. Charles in 1955 and opened a second unit in O’Fallon in 1992. The Club offers after school, summer and sports programs to help children and teens reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. The funds will help support the Club’s academic programming as well as STEM enrichment opportunities for members age six to eighteen years old. Funds will also help expand healthy lifestyles programming including opioid use prevention and conflict resolution. In addition to promoting healthcare, education and positive parenting skills, the organization also offers several volunteer opportunities from office work to organizing events.
An affiliate of the Boys & Girls Club of America, the Boys & Girls Club of St. Charles County have provided support to members for over 60 years.
May 15, 2019
TREE FIRE IN MEXICO
On Monday at approximately 9:51PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 400 block of Maple Street in reference to a tree fire. Responding personnel found the upper portion of an evergreen tree burning. The fire was quickly extinguished with no injuries and no damage to any other property. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND FAST APPROACHING – MAKE SAFETY A TOP PRIORITY!
The Missouri State Highway Patrol hopes everyone will make safety a top priority this Memorial Day weekend. A safe, fun weekend starts with planning and good decisions. Whether you decide to travel or stay local, choose to be a safe, courteous driver. The Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) during the long holiday weekend. This means every available trooper will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists. In addition, the Patrol will assign troopers to speed saturations, DWI saturations, or hazardous motor vehicle operations in areas where they will have the greatest impact. Motorists or boaters in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol's Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. This year's fatality counting period for the holiday weekend begins at 6 p.m., Friday, May 24, and ends at 11:59 p.m., Monday, May 27, 2019. The Memorial Day weekend is also an unofficial start to the boating season. During the 2018 Memorial Day weekend, there were 14 boating crashes which included 10 injuries and one fatality. Two people drowned over last year’s holiday weekend. Troopers arrested 17 people for boating while intoxicated over the 2018 Memorial Day weekend.
MOBERLY POLICE ARREST MAN ON SEVERAL CHARGES
This past Monday night, May 13th, at 7:35 PM, a Moberly Police Officer observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and driving recklessly, making unsafe passes, in the area of Franklin St and Johnson St. The vehicle ran off the roadway at one point and nearly collided with an oncoming vehicle. The officer made contact with the driver who pulled to the side of the roadway on his own accord. The officer immediately noticed signs of alcohol impairment. The driver, Shawn Malone, was immediately uncooperative with the officer and denied being intoxicated. Malone was also found to have a revoked driver’s license. Malone was placed under arrest for Driving While Revoked and Driving While Intoxicated. Officers located a bottle of Whiskey next to the driver’s seat of the vehicle Malone was driving and the bottle was nearly empty. Malone was found to have (10) prior convictions for Driving While Suspended/Revoked and (2) prior convictions for Driving While Intoxicated. Due to his level of intoxication Malone was taken to Moberly Regional Medical Center to receive a fit for confinement order. After being deemed fit for confinement, Malone was transported to the Randolph County Justice Center. Charges were forwarded to the Randolph County Prosecutor’s Office for Felony Driving While Revoked and Felony Persistent Driving While Intoxicated. A warrant has been signed by the Honorable Judge Cooksey for the above mentioned charges and a bond has been set for $10,000 Cash or surety for Malone.
May 14, 2019
ALERT CITIZEN LEADS TO QUICK ARREST BY MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT
On Sunday, May 12th at approximately 8:21PM, an alert citizen contacted the Mexico Public Safety Department in reference to some suspicious activity in the 600 block of North Washington in Mexico.. Responding personnel found that Darien W Mills, age 22 of Mexico, had broken into an unoccupied house and was attempting to steal some items. Mills was arrested and processed at MPSD. He was later taken to the Audrain County Jail to post bond for Burglary 2nd Degree and Stealing (value over $750).
TWO TAKEN TO HOSPITAL FOLLOWING CRASH ON US 54 IN MEXICO
Sunday, May 12th at approximately 5:32PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 4500 block of E Liberty (US Highway 54) in reference to a crash. Responding personnel found that a vehicle being driven by Kerri Rothrock, age 32 of Atchinson, Kansas, crossed the centerline of the roadway and struck another auto operated by Thomas Porthouse, age 46 of O’Fallon, Missouri. Personnel from Audrain Ambulance District took both Rothrock and Porthouse to SSM Health / St. Mary’s Hospital-Audrain. They were treated for minor injuries and released. The roadway was reduced to one lane of traffic for about 45 minutes.
AS MANY AS 10 MEDICAL MARIJUANA TESTING FACILITIES COULD BE LICENSED IN MISSOURI
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services determined that as many as 10 medical marijuana testing facilities could be licensed in Missouri. Article XIV of the Missouri Constitution calls for “at least two” testing facilities for the new program. Testing facilities will be licensed to acquire, test, certify and transport marijuana. DHSS also established ten advisory committees composed of subject matter experts who helped review questions for the facility license applications in late April. The set of application questions and evaluation criteria scoring table were updated following committee recommendations and are now available online. One member from each of the ten advisory committees will now serve on the Medical Marijuana Scoring Advisory Committee. Facility license application forms and instructions will be available online June 4, and DHSS will accept completed applications from August 3-17. DHSS and contracted partners will then have until December 31 to review and score applications prior to licensing. DHSS will continue accepting feedback on all drafts of rules via an online suggestion form until May 15. All rules must be finalized and available to the public by June 4. Until then, draft rules are subject to change.
May 13, 2019
PAVEMENT WORK PLANNED FOR ROUTES IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Weather permitting, MoDOT crews will be doing pavement work on the following routes in Montgomery County.
I-70 eastbound - May 12-13, the driving lane will be closed between MM 175 and MM 176 for pavement work. The lane will close at 8:00 p.m. on May 12 and reopen at 7:00 a.m. on May 13. There will be a 12 ft. width restriction in place while the work is completed.
I-70 eastbound - May 13-14, the passing lane will be closed between MM 175 and MM 176 for pavement work. The lane will close at 8:00 p.m. on May 13 and reopen at 7:00 a.m. on May 14. There will be a 12 ft. width restriction in place while the work is completed.
I-70 eastbound - May 14-15, the driving lane will be closed between MM 176 and MM 177 for pavement work. The lane will close at 8:00 p.m. on May 14 and reopen at 7:00 a.m. on May 15. There will be a 12 ft. width restriction in place while the work is completed.
I-70 westbound - May 15-16, the driving lane will be closed between MM 167.6 and MM 167.4 for pavement work. The lane will close at 8:00 p.m. on May 15 and reopen at 7:00 a.m. on May 16. There will be a 12 ft. width restriction in place while the work is completed.
Missouri Route 161 - May 20-22, one lane traffic at various locations between I-70 and Missouri Route 19 at Montgomery City for patching operations. Work will be completed between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. each day.
Montgomery County Route WW - May 23-24, one lane traffic at various locations between MO 19 and North Outer Road of I-70 (Boonslick Road) for patching operations. Work will be completed between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. each day.
Again, this work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled or delayed.
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER TO BE ARRAIGNED THIS WEEK ON SEX CHARGES
A Columbia man who does substitute teaching in Missouri was arrested this past Thursday after a Monroe County Deputy said in a probable cause statement that a student in the Madison C-3 School District indicated she had been sending and receiving sexually explicit text messages, photographs and even videos with 27 year old Ty Michael Gramley after the two apparently met while he was substitute teaching at Madison. The girl said they communicated via Face book Messenger. Gramley is scheduled to be arraigned this week on one count of possessing child porn and two counts of furnishing or attempting to furnish pornographic material to a minor. The School Superintendent said Gramley was not an employee of the School District but worked for a contractor that provides substitute teachers.
FOUR ARRESTS MADE IN SATURDAY SHOOTING IN DOWNTOWN COLUMBIA
Columbia Police arrested four suspects in connection with a shooting near the intersection of Fifth Street and Broadway on Saturday, May 11 that resulted in a victim sustaining injuries that were not life-threatening. Damion Hunt, 26, of Columbia was arrested and charged with Assault 1st, Armed Criminal Action and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Eddie Hunt, 21, of Columbia was arrested and charged with Assault 1st, Unlawful Use of a Weapon and a Probation and Parole violation on an original charge of Domestic Assault. Caleb Hunt, 21, of Columbia was arrested and charged with Assault 1st, Armed Criminal Action and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Robert Carter, 26, of Columbia was arrested and charged with Assault 1st and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Due to the swift response and thorough investigation, CPD was able to identify all of the suspects in this case and place them under arrest. All four suspects are being held in the Boone County Jail with bond to be set. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or Crimestoppers at 573.875.TIPS to remain anonymous.
Weekend Report- May 11-12, 2019
THREE INJURED IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY ACCIDENT
Three people from Mexico, MO were injured in an accident that occurred at 4:05pm Friday in Montgomery County. The patrol says that 17 year old Logan Finke of High Hill was on MO 19 when his truck struck the rear of a car driven by 35 year old Brandie Miller of Mexico which in turn struck the rear of another car driven by 58 year old Raymond Welker of Montgomery City. Brandie Miller sustained moderate injuries, while her two passengers’ 14 year old Rylea Miller and 8 year old Caydence Walker suffered minor injuries. All three were transported by ambulance to SSM St. Joseph Hospital for treatment.
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SATURDAY MORNING CRASH
A man was seriously injured in a Saturday morning crash in Franklin County. 31 year old Jason Hansen of Beaufort, MO was on US 50 as a Terex Scraper was entering the roadway from a private driveway and an escort vehicle was stopped on the right shoulder with flashers on warning westbound motorists of the Scraper entering the roadway and making a right turn onto US 50 as Hansen did not slow down for the escort vehicle, went around it and his truck struck the Scraper. He was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington with serious injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN OSAGE COUNTY INCIDENT
A driver was hurt in an incident that occurred at 11:25am Saturday in Osage County. 75 year old Jackie Bell of Topeka, KS was on US 63 and attempting to avoid a northbound vehicle that was traveling in his lane when his car ran off the right side of the road, down an embankment and struck a fence. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries.
May 10, 2019
PERMIT WORK WILL TEMPORARILY CLOSE ONE LANE OF I-70 IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Weather permitting, May 14 permit work will close one lane of Interstate 70 at MM 168, directly across from the Danville Rest Area, for excavation work. The work will be completed between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. that day. Again, this work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled or delayed.
DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN CALLAWAY COUNTY ACCIDENT
A driver was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 2:45pm Thursday in Callaway County. The patrol says that 73 year old Jonas Bereisa of Traverse City, MI was on US 54 when his car traveled off the r